Canteen, the high-quality British food concept, has announced plans to grow its estate to 15 restaurants over the next five years and launch a new smaller express format.
The chain, which was founded by Dominic Lake, Patrick Clayton Malone and Cass Titcombe in October 2005, is currently in negotiations on a number of high profile central London sites to add to its current four-strong restaurant estate in the capital.
Separately, the company is also looking into A1 planning permission to roll out a smaller format, which will allow it to offer most of its menu items from a counter, without table service.
It said: “This is exciting because it opens up a lot more locations for us. This will mean that customers will be able to enjoy our range of pies, cakes, salads, cheeses, teas, coffees, beers and wines even more easily, quickly and conveniently.”
Canteen, which opened its first site in Spitalfields in October 2005, has also confirmed that former Claridges executive chef Mark Sargeant and Richard Edney, formerly of The Swan at the Globe, have joined the company to further develop its traditional British menus.
Sargeant will work with Canteen on menu development and as a Canteen brand ambassador.
Edney, who also spent 10 years at Pret a Manger, joins the company as executive head chef.
Menu updates will include new seasonal dishes and new specials from June 2011 as well as new cakes and a snack menu, plus a new wine list.
The company is also set to extend its enterprise management incentives scheme to its head chefs and general managers.
It said: “This is something pretty different. We think it’s the first time anyone’s done it in the restaurant industry. And if we continue to grow and succeed like we have been so far, then it’s great news for even more of our staff.”
A new website is also set to be launched.
