Koffmann and Mr White's launches in Bath with Pierre at the pass

Koffmann and Mr White's, the new collaboration between the godfathers of cuisine Pierre Koffmann and Marco Pierre White, has launched in Bath's Abbey Hotel.

The 75-cover restaurant with space for a further 50 on the outside terrace launched with Pierre Koffmann at the pass to guide the kitchen brigade, which will be led day to day by Rupert Taylor.

The Abbey Hotel's general manager Josh Watts told The Caterer that Marco Pierre White and Pierre Koffmann are "both heavily involved in the creation and the development of the menu". Koffmann worked with the eight-strong kitchen team in the three-day run up to the launch.

Watts added: "They very much are bringing together dishes that they really enjoy eating, which is really where the creation of the menu has been.

"So some of Pierre's inspiration has been from his grandmother's cooking and Marco's from what he likes to eat at home, so it's an unpretentious, classic brasserie style with affordable dishes. It's not quite like a greatest hits album but you will find some classics - and there are no pigs trotters but I have heard Pierre mention them so it's possible in the future."

The front of house is being managed by Sean Lemmy, who, along with the head chef and much of the kitchen team, has worked with the 62-room hotel previously.

As part of the new launch the restaurant, once Rupert Taylor's Allium, was dramatically remodelled. When the site was approved Nick Taplin, CEO of Marco's Black and White Hospitality said the two men had "loads of ideas on what the new restaurant should be" and were "very close to all elements such as the menus, décor and styling."

Watts added: "We've completely refurbished the restaurant with a new hundred-year-old Georgian floor that is really in keeping with the local architecture and the heritage colours, with old artwork and brasserie-style chairs, to bring comfort and a sophisticated design - and a romantic setting which Marco and Pierre were keen to create."

The site opened to the public from today (Friday 12 October).

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