Raymond Blanc business pulls out of Liverpool One

Raymond Blanc has turned his back on opening a restaurant in European Capital of Culture Liverpool, claiming that Brassarie Blanc is "too posh" for the city’s new £1b leisure development.

Brasserie Blanc had signed a deal with Liverpool One back in June to bring the chef’s chain to the city during Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture.

But Brassarie Blanc managing director John Lederer has told the Liverpool Daily Post that the group was “slightly too posh for a precinct”.

However, Lederer said the group would consider a Liverpool location, possibly in a period property.

"May I live to regret the decision? Absolutely,” he told the Post. “Right now I think it’s the right decision, something will come up in Liverpool. It is not short of stunning places.”

Liverpool One’s Paradise Street has already signed up Wagamama, Loch Fyne, Yo! Sushi, Café Rouge, Las Iguanas and Zizzi's.

Hilton Hotels will also open a 216 bedroom hotel at the development, its first hotel in the city.

Fledgling mid-market chain Coal, which has been set up by Ma Potter's founder John Gater, had also agreed heads of terms with the Liverpool One but pulled out earlier this year over concerns about how robust the eating out market in Liverpool would be long-term.

Liverpool to get £100m boost from Capital of Culture status >>

Read the full story in the Liverpool Daily Post here >>

Liverpool One signs up host of restaurant operators >>

Liverpool calls on Michelin-starred chefs to boost city's dining >>

Coal appoints Loch Fyne restaurants co-founder >>

By Christopher Walton

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