Comptoir Group to open first new UK restaurant in four years

Comptoir Group, the operator of the Comptoir Libanais, Yalla-Yalla and Shawa brands, is to open its first new UK restaurant in four years this autumn.

The company has secured a 3,325 sq ft site on Ealing High Street in west London which is expected to relaunch as a Comptoir Libanais in October.

It will serve an all-day menu including sharing platters of hot and cold mezze, grilled meats, salads and wraps alongside Lebanese wines from Ksara.

The opening follows a turbulent year for the Comptoir Group board which saw its chairman and chief executive step down in August 2022 following a battle for control of the business with founder Tony Kitous.

Former Leon managing director Nick Ayerst took over as chief executive in October with an eye on opening further restaurants.

Kitous said his dream was for Lebanese culture and cuisine to achieve the same popularity as Italian food.

“I’m genuinely thrilled to be building our vibrant brand and look forward to creating an inviting atmosphere at our new restaurant which will provide an authentic setting to savour Middle Eastern hospitality,” he added.

Comptoir Group owns and operates 26 Lebanese restaurants, six of which are franchised. Comptoir Libanais is its largest brand with 20 sites across London, Manchester, Bath, Birmingham, Oxford, and Exeter.

The business has also expanded internationally with its franchise partners HMSHOST with restaurants in the Netherlands, Qatar, and Dubai.