Regent Inns is to spend £4m refurbishing its Old Orleans just weeks after admitting the restaurant chain was dragging down group profits.

The refurbishment programme has already begun at Old Orleans flagship Thurrock restaurant, which is due to reopen on 21 June with covers increased from 90 to 230.

Russell Scott, managing director of operations at Regent Inns, said: “The significant investment that [we are] making in Old Orleans marks a new era for the brand, bringing it up to date.”

Regent bought 29 Old Orleans from Punch Taverns in August 2006 as part of a £26m package, which also included two Quincey’s restaurants.

Regent Inns's Old Orleans drags the company’s performance down >>

By Christopher Walton

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