Bourgee to relaunch in Norwich after sites go into administration

Bourgee, the "affordable luxury" steak and lobster chain that saw three sites fall into administration earlier this year, is set to relaunch its expansion efforts in Norwich.

The site is set to launch on Timberhill on 12 November, and will spread across two floors - a downstairs restaurant and an upstairs bar with a tapas offering.

The chain, which launched in 2014 is now under the full ownership of founders James Welling and Mark Baumann after three of Bourgee's four sites fell into administration in April.

Before its financial difficulties, the brand was also co-owned by Anthony and Dominique Tropeano. Bourgee was handed to administrators by the Topeano family's other business - Colchester Zoo - with outstanding debts to creditors of £432,000.

This included £112m owed to HM Revenue & Customs and a total £115,000 to Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

Welling said: "We have undergone a lot of change in the last year which has been a difficult time for us all, but we see the launch of Bourgee in Norwich as a significant moment for the brand. A chance for us to show exactly what Bourgee stands for and deliver our vision as a duo with full effect.

"This is Bourgee 2.0 and we know the brand is better than ever."

Baumann added: "With Bourgee our ambition has always been to offer a premium dining experience that is accessible to all.

"With the brand relaunch this sentiment will continue to sit at the heart of what we do. We want everyone to experience the best without having to pay the earth for it."

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