Two Smollensky's restaurants sold to Kornicis Group

The two largest Smollensky's restaurants, on London's Strand and in Canary Wharf, have been sold to an investment firm headed up by the creator of Tiger Tiger.

The sale - to Kornicis Group, the investment vehicle of Nick Tamblyn, the former chief executive of entertainment group Chorion - follows the administration of Smollensky's parent company The Grill Group.

The deal, handled by property agent Christie & Co on behalf of administrators BDO Stoy Hayward, will see the two restaurants continue to operate under the Smollensky's brand.

While at Chorion, Tamblyn developed Tiger Tiger and other London bars including On Anon, Digress and The Langley.

He is now backed by NBGI Private Equity, which also funded his purchase of 17 former Food and Drink Group bars earlier this year.

The administration of the Grill Group has also seen the sale of the Smollensky's in south Croydon to chef restaurateur Malcolm John and a management buyout of northern restaurant chain Le Frog led by Paul Lilley. Both deals were handled by Christie & Co.

Smollensky's owner considering sale>>
Smollensky's sold to private equity firm for £6.5m>>

Grill Group puts two more Smollensky's up for sale>>
Malcolm John to open new restaurant in former Smollensky's Metro, Croydon>>
Le Frog leaps out of administration via MBO>>

By Daniel Thomas

E-mail your comments to Daniel Thomas here.

Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next restaurant job here with Caterersearch.com jobs