Michelin-starred Bristol restaurant Wilks placed on the market

Bristol restaurant Wilks has been placed on the market after seven years, with owners James Wilkins and Christine Vayssade travelling overseas for an “exciting new project”.

Wilkins, one-time executive chef of Michel Bras's Toya restaurant in Hokkaido, Japan, opened the restaurant with Vayssade in 2012, winning a Michelin star a year later.

He said: “It has been a difficult decision for Christine and I to make. It was always our dream to set up a fine dining restaurant together. We opened Wilks over seven years ago and we are so grateful it has been such a success. Bristol has welcomed us with open arms and we wish to offer our sincerest thanks to all our wonderful customers, suppliers and staff, past and present, who have helped us to develop Wilks into the restaurant it is today.

“As for our reasons to sell the restaurant, we have been approached for an exciting and challenging new project outside the UK that we could not turn down. Christine and I travelled with our jobs for years before settling in Bristol and the idea of discovering a new country is very enticing to us.

“Number 1-3 Chandos Road has been a successful restaurant for over 25 years and we are looking forward to eventually handing over the reins to someone who can take it in their own direction and drive this site forward.”

Wilks remains open pending the sale, which is being handled by Kevin Conibear at Fleurets. The lease is offered at a guide premium of £175,000 and an annual rent of £27,500 per annum.