London restaurateur buys Thai restaurant in St Albans

An experienced restaurateur from Wanstead in East London has snapped up the award-winning Yim Thai restaurant in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

The 60-seat restaurant occupies a half-timbered, mid-terrace historic property in the centre of the city that originated as a shop in the 15th century and served as a pub for many years.

Along with the ground floor restaurant, the business provides two-bedroom owners' accommodation on the first floor and a small courtyard.

Under previous owner Heinz Zuerner, the restaurant won a host of awards, including Thai Restaurant of the Year, UK Thai Chef of the Year, and The Foodie magazine's Best Restaurant in Herts accolade.

New owner Faisal Maniar is converting the business into a French restaurant.

The Milton Keynes office of Christie + Co sold the leasehold (which runs until 2024) off an asking price of £149,950. Rent is currently set at £40,000 per annum.

By Angela Frewin