Roll out of James Horler's La Sala takes shape

Further details have been released about the planned roll out of La Sala, the Spanish-based restaurant and bar brand led by James Horler.

Sala Group Holdings is now looking for up to six locations across the country to open in the next two years, according to specialist property advisors Colliers International.

It is seeking sites of over 6,000 sq ft, in affluent areas around Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire, such as Loughton, Epping, Richmond, Guildford and St Albans.

Ross Kirton, director of licensed and leisure at Colliers International, said: "Optimum locations and scale are of upmost importance for this project and we will be seeking large high profile roadside locations with good car parking, perhaps even allowing for a valet parking. We will also consider leasehold projects requiring use class reclassification."

The restaurant and late-night brand is already established in southern Spain holiday spots Marbella and nearby Puerto Banus, including the sites La Sala, Sala Beach, El Rincon de la Sala and Aqwa Mist.

It is run by James Horler, chairman of the 3Sixty Restaurants group that also manages Red Hot World Buffet, Charterhouse Leisure, Ping Pong and Patisserie Valerie. Horler also played a significant role in the expansion of Spanish tapas brand La Tasca, which he sold in 2007 for £134m.

Speaking about the plans, Horler said: "La Sala offers a very lively atmosphere which has already proven extremely popular in Spain and many of our customers visiting from the UK feel there is nothing like it back home, so it is part the evolution of the brand to roll it out here. Both town centre and ‘destination' suburban locations are being considered."

Spanish restaurant La Sala to open first UK site as part of roll-out plans >>