Stable Group, the Bridport family-based company, is to open its fourth site in the South West after securing the renowned Hole in the Wall restaurant in Bath.
The group, which is led by Nikki and Richard Cooper, will open the third site under its pizza and cider brand, the Stable, on the site later this summer. The company also owns the Bull Hotel and Bar in Bridport.
The Bath restaurant has held its name since 1951 when the influential restaurateur and chef, George Perry-Smith, bought haute cuisine to Britain. For many years the restaurant has been a busy fine dining establishment but took an unfortunate turn due to the economic climate and changing consumer habits, closing in May 2012.
Stable Bath will include 120 covers offering pizza, pies and cider — stone-baked gourmet unique pizzas topped with quality local ingredients, together with more than 57 different varieties of cider, many from small-scale local producers.
The first Stables restaurant, which opened in October 2009, was followed by a further site in Weymouth in 2012.
The group prides itself on acquiring heritage properties with rustic authenticity for its brand.
Valerie Turner, restaurant specialist at Christie + Co, who acted on the sale, said: “The Hole in the Wall site attracted numerous interested parties from both local and national operators and demonstrates that Bath is still a highly-sought after location for many. I am sure the introduction of this new concept into the city will be a hit with everyone, and we wish Stables Bar the very best of luck with its latest venture.
“Restaurants experienced strong activity in the South West last year and we are seeing an even stronger start to the first half of 2013. Cities are still at the forefront of the corporate branded operations and the suburbs are still attracting the first time buyer, experienced chefs or growing community brands.”
