Chutney Mary to relocate to Wheeler's of St. James site
Indian fine-dining restaurant Chutney Mary has confirmed it will take over the site that housed Marco Pierre White's Wheeler's of St. James, until it was sold last month.
White closed the restaurant in early March, ostensibly for refurbishment. It was later confirmed that the site had been sold, but not who the buyer was.
Ranjit Mathrani (pictured), chairman of the Masala World restaurant group, which owns Chutney Mary, told Caterer that the restaurant would open in its new home in November, following a major refurbishment.
Commenting on the decision to relocate, he said: "These are historic restaurant premises located in one of London's most exclusive areas. These premises were initially occupied by Prunier, the historic French fish restaurant, from 1936 to 1980. The most recent occupant was Wheelers.
"Therefore, they are very appropriate for the Chutney Mary [which is also steeped in history, having launched 24 years ago]."
Details of the new Chutney Mary are in the process of being finalised, but Mathrani did say that it will feature a combination of the most successful aspects of the cuisine from the existing Chutney Mary with "significant innovation in menu items, styling and presentation".
"The menu will be refined and tailored for St James's," he added. "The new interiors will be tailored for the space and the location."
Marco Pierre White sells flagship Wheeler's of St James site >>