Brasserie 44 owner attacks chains following rescue

ONE of the region’s best known restaurateurs has hit out at the number of eateries opening on the high street after seeing his business rescued from administration.

Steve Ridealgh, proprietor of Brasserie 44 in Leeds, told TheBusinessDesk.com that something needed to be done to “stem the onslaught” of new restaurants in the city.

Brasserie 44 was placed in administration in February after Mr Ridealgh, who runs the eaterie with his patisserie chef wife Carol, experienced a drop off in trade.

Mr Ridealgh admitted the business was close to shutting down but an injection of cash from an unnamed private investor, coupled with the negotiation of a new lease with the restaurant’s landlord MBI International, owner of the adjoining 42 The Calls hotel, had allowed it to continue to operate.

Mr Ridealgh, who previously ran Pool Court in Pool-in-Wharfedale before taking over Brasserie 44 in 1994, said the restaurant had experienced dwindling covers, especially from corporate diners, since the start of 2009.

Julian Pitts and David Wilson, of acountancy firm Begbies Traynor, were appointed joint administrators, advised by Helen Bates, of law firm Clarion.

Mr Ridealgh was also assisted by Phil Nuttall, of Montpelier Chartered Accountants, and Rodney Dalton, of Brooke North solicitors, and he said without their assistance the business would not have survived.

Speaking about the administration, Mr Ridealgh said: “It has been a difficult time for us all at 44 and we are delighted to put this behind us.

“Carol and I are grateful to all of our staff and suppliers who stood by us over the last four months – their input and support has been very much needed and appreciated.”

Mr Ridealgh, who did not have to lose any staff or cut suppliers during the restaurant’s administration, said eating habits in the city had changed with areas like The Calls, where Brasserie 44 is located, no longer being main draws for diners.

“People are coming to us because they want to come and it’s a destination for them,” he said. “But the businesses down here are one man bands; they’re not the chains.”

Mr Ridealgh (pictured right) expressed concern at the number of restaurants opening in cities like Leeds and said developers letting space to eateries in new developments was a major problem.

“These space are marketed as flagship opportunities but it’s not an opportunity; it’s a liability,” he said. “Brasserie 44 has seen the good times but as more restaurants have opened they’re all coming to feed at the same trough.

“I would like to think that our unfortunate experience of the last few months would highlight a serious problem this city has.

“There are more restaurant seats than there are people to sit on them yet more and more establishments are opening. These new venues are not bringing their own customers to the city, they are just diluting the trade that is here and therefore there can only be one outcome.”

Mr Ridelagh believes that many chain restaurants are more concerned about building their portfolios rather than attracting customers when they open and that they have more chance of survival because of the deep pockets of their owners.

He added: “The thing I’ve learnt in past recessions is not to be tempted to cut corners on the quality of the produce or the staff. There are still people out there who do want a good meal from a brasserie.”