Chef and restaurateur Gordon Ramsay is to launch a new fine-dining restaurant at London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 when it opens in 2008.

The deal represents the first signing for the terminal, which is being designed by world-famous architect Richard Rogers and aims to set new benchmarks for choice, quality and value for money in its retail and dining units.

Ramsay was enthusiastic about his latest project, saying: "It's not every day that the opportunity to cook for up to 30 million people a year comes along. What a challenge!

"There is a sense of excitement and anticipation about air travel that doesn't exist in any other form, and I intend to create a menu and dining experience that matches that enthusiasm in what will be one of the most stunning venues for a restaurant anywhere in the world."

BAA retail director Stephen Nelson was equally excited about the project. "The presence of a truly great British chef, offering the best of British food at the principal gateway to Britain, makes Terminal 5 a unique showcase for British talent to the global audience that uses Heathrow," he said.

Further details of the new eaterie are yet to be announced.

By Angela Frewin

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