Building sale will not impact Michelin-starred restaurant

A MICHELIN starred restaurant will continue to trade despite the building in which it is based being sold, ready to convert into apartments for young professionals.

Waterloo House in Leamington Spa has been acquired by Milton Keynes-based property investor Starstone Capital in a deal worth £1.8m.

The building houses The Emperors Restaurant, which agreed a new 15-year lease on the premises in August 2014.

The remainder of the building is being converted into a residential HMO (House in multiple occupancy) for 17 residents, having been bought with planning permission to carry out the redevelopment.

That work is expected to take around six months and will start in September, with the first residents expected to move in by early 2017.

Jonathan Moore, director of commercial property agents Shortland Penn + Moore, helped conclude the deal after marketing the property.

He said: “This is a very significant deal for this part of Leamington and the development will be of a very high quality, in line with the offering at The Emperors Restaurant that will continue to trade here and, I have no doubt, will remain as popular as ever.

“The significant changes will take place within Waterloo House which has previously been used as offices and a recording studio. This will now become much needed high quality residential accommodation aimed at young professionals in the area and help regenerate this historic part of town.

“We were delighted to play a major part in such a significant deal in the town.”