Bath's Hole in the Wall to be renamed following sale
Bath's Hole in the Wall restaurant, widely regarded as one of the most influential restaurants in post-war Britain, is to change its name after being sold.
The restaurant has been named the Hole in the Wall since 1951 when restaurateur and chef, George Perry-Smith, brought haute cuisine to Britain. But the economic downturn forced it to close in May 2012.
Under its new ownership, by a Bridport-based company, it will be renamed the Stable, Bath.
The neighbourhood restaurant with approximately 120 covers will serve stone-baked pizza, pies and more than 57 varieties of cider .
The first Stables restaurant, which opened in October 2009, proved very popular, which encouraged the company to acquire a site in Weymouth in 2012.
Valerie Turner, restaurant specialist at Christie + Co, which brokered the sale of the restaurant, said: "The Hole in the Wall site attracted numerous interested parties from both local and national operators and demonstrates that Bath is still a highly-sought after location for many. I am sure the introduction of this new concept into the city will be a hit with everyone, and we wish Stables Bar the very best of luck with its latest venture."
"Restaurants experienced strong activity in the South West last year and we are seeing an even stronger start to the first half of 2013. Cities are still at the forefront of the corporate branded operations and the suburbs are still attracting the first time buyer, experienced chefs or growing community brands."