Celebrity chef Paul Rankin in talks to sell his restaurants

Northern Irish celebrity chef Paul Rankin is in discussions to sell most of his remaining restaurants in Belfast after a downturn in trading.

The ‘Ready Steady Cook' star is in negotiations over his Roscoff Brasserie and the remainder of his Rankin cafe chain.

Rankin Group said the planned sale was part of a consolidation of the business which began earlier this year.

"The Rankin Group announced plans before the summer to consolidate its operations and attract investors into its non-core businesses in the café chain and brasserie operations," a spokeswoman for the company said.

She added: "While a number of interested parties have come forward and there are on-going negotiations underway, it would be premature to comment on the outcome of these commercially sensitive talks."

The outlets put up for sale by the Ready Steady Cook star include cafés in Castle Court, at Belfast international Airport and on the city's Fountain Street.

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By Nick Huber

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