Bertie’s deal tastes good for restaurant owner

THE owner of popular restaurant La Cachette has bought neighbouring business Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms from well-known caterer Brett Woodward.

Jon Nichols secured the banqueting business located on Brook Street in Elland for an undisclosed sum with Walker Singleton acting as agents for the deal.

He will now take over Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms as a going concern – which will be known as Bertie’s at La Cachette – and will run the businesses side by side with his restaurant La Cachette, located next door.

Nichols has pledged to honour all existing events and functions that are booked in at Bertie’s which include an evening with former footballers Neil Ruddock and Bryan Robson, which is due to take place on June 21 and a charity ball scheduled for July 6.

Bertie’s has been a popular venue for black-tie dinners, charity balls, prom nights, weddings and business events for many years and has also built up a successful outside catering division.

Woodward launched its forerunner Bertie’s Bistro more than 30 years ago following a return to his Yorkshire roots from London, where he worked at the Savoy Hotel.

Bertie’s Banqueting Rooms launched in 1988.

Functions are hosted in one of its three banqueting rooms – the Crystal Ballroom, the Rennie Mackintosh Room and the Number One Brook Street Room

Speaking about the acquisition Nichols said: “When I heard that the business was up for sale, purchasing it seemed an obvious decision. Not only because of the proximity of the two properties but also because it allows us to increase the outside catering service that La Cachette has begun to provide.

“Bertie’s was successful for many years with a strong reputation for hosting quality functions. My aim is to build on that and make it even better than it currently is. I believe that Bertie’s has a long and exciting future ahead.”