La Sala chooses Chigwell in Essex for first UK site
Spanish restaurant brand La Sala is set to open its first UK site in Chigwell in Essex.
La Sala currently has four sites in Spain, and the new 120-cover UK outpost, backed by several big names from the world of football, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Stephen Carr, will open in September this year.
The company said it hoped to create a "complete dining and entertainment experience" with a varied menu based on its flagship restaurant in Marbella.
"I'm really excited about this opportunity as La Sala is a totally different concept and the right brand to bring to the UK at this time," said James Horler, chairman of La Sala UK. "The La Sala brand already has international recognition and we're aiming to transfer this proven formula of atmosphere, quality, exceptional service and value to the UK."
The new UK site will sit at 692-694 Chigwell Road, formerly occupied by the White Hart Inn, with convenient access to London Underground and the M11. The building will be transformed to create a unique La Sala atmosphere in the heart of Essex.
Horler, who made his name building La Tasca restaurants into a nationwide success story, before selling the chain for £135m in 2007, added: "I've already been out to Spain with our design team so that they can embrace the entire La Sala experience and recreate its unique essence here in the UK. We will be looking to roll out a second site within 12 months, with a third to follow, maybe in West London."
