Saltire to roll-out Le Monde

Saltire Taverns, the fast growing Scottish leisure group, is planning a £60m expansion for its Le Monde bar and hotel concept.

The managing director of Saltire, Tony McGrath, said the success of its Le Monde in Edinburgh, which only opened in February, was such that the company had decided to change strategy.

The £12m development in George Street in the Scottish capital features a bar, brasserie, nightclub and 18-room hotel.

It was the first Le Monde but Saltire believes that up to 10 UK cities could sustain a similar outlet.

Saltire is owned by Edinburgh entrepreneur Billy Lowe. As well as Le Monde, Saltire's interests include other licensed outlets including the Frankenstein theme bars. Among the other projects is the Rutland Hotel.

Le Monde has proved a soar away success in its just two months of trade. It can hold up to 1,250 customers in what were the former offices of Standard Life.

Leisure group hotels target Scots capital >>

By Andrew Sangster

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