The Square to keep its name
The Square restaurant in London's Mayfair is to keep its name under new owner Marc Group (Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation), although some changes are expected.
That's according to the company, which revealed a few more details about its plans for the site since Philip Howard, who has been at the helm of the restaurant for 25 years, gaining two Michelin stars there, sold his interest in the business.
Meanwhile Marc Group also moved to deny rumours that the Square would act as a new home for its two-Michelin-starred Greenhouse restaurant.
A spokeswoman for the business said that it would retain its current identity and its name would not change, although there may be some more subtle changes to the way in which it is run, with plans to align it with the Greenhouse's "classic meets avant garde" approach, lighter food, and a focus on British produce.
"Marlon bought the Square because he loves it, so it will remain the same but with some Marc touches," she said.
And she added that rumours that the Greenhouse would move into the newly acquired site on Bruton Street, although it is true that the Greenhouse faces the possibility of having to find a new home at some point within the next decade.
Marc has nine outlets in the capital and on the east coast of the US.
Abela said: "I am delighted to welcome the Square into our family of restaurants.
"I have always admired its strong commitment to modern fine dining, devotion to quality and use of the finest, locally sourced British ingredients.
"The team's approach to rigorous seasonality, passion for wine and dedication to delivering service excellence is in line with our core values."
Meanwhile, Howard, who owned the Square with business partner Nigel Platts-Martin, said he was thrilled to pass the restaurant to such "a passionate restaurateur".
Platts-Martin also owns the Ledbury, Chez Bruce and La Trompette, added: "Phil and I have had a wonderful 25 years at the Square.
I am confident that the Square will continue to thrive under the stewardship of Marlon Abela."
Originally opened in 1991 in St James's, the Square was awarded its first Michelin star in 1994. Two years later the restaurant relocated to Mayfair and in 1998 was awarded two Michelin stars.
Howard received the Chef Award at the Cateys in the same year.
The Marc portfolio in London includes the Greenhouse and Umu, both of which hold two Michelin stars; Morton's private members' club; Green's restaurant, which is soon to reopen; O W Loeb Wine Merchants; Marc Fine Wines; Marc Patisserie and Bakery.
In the US, it runs A Voce restaurants in New York, Morello Bistro in Connecticut, Bistro du Midi in Boston and the François Payard bakeries.
Philip Howard leaves the Square as restaurant is sold to Marlon Abela >>An audience with… Philip Howard >>
