Pictured above: (l-r) John Whitehead (Le Bistrot Pierre),
Nick Pigott (NatWest - background), Robert Beacham (Le Bistrot
Pierre)
Nottingham's Le Bistrot Pierre, which now has eight restaurants
in its portfolio, is close to opening its latest venture in the
Yorkshire town of Ilkley. The Ilkley development has been funded by
the company's banking partners NatWest.
Le Bistrot Pierre is run by directors Robert Beacham and John
Whitehead. The business originally started as a Pierre Victoire
franchise in Milton Street. It was established as an independent
business trading under the Le Bistrot Pierre name after the Pierre
Victoire franchisor went into administration. Today the portfolio
is home to eight restaurants spread across the Midlands and the
North of England. Ilkley will be their ninth restaurant, but each
bistro is styled differently to compliment their individual
settings.
Ilkley will also be a slight departure from the other bistros
they operate. As well as being a 90 cover restaurant, the business
is creating alongside it a contemporary ale house that as well as
serving seven guest ales at any one time, will also provide 11
guest bedrooms. The development is close to completion and will be
fully open this spring.
NatWest has provided funding to support the purchase and
development of the Ilkley site. They are also extending funds to
support a £300,000 refurbishment programme at their existing
bistros in Leicester and Sheffield.
Speaking about their continued growth, Robert Beacham, director
of Le Bistrot Pierre said: "This is a very exciting year for us.
Ilkley is a big major investment for us, and will also see us
develop our first ale house, alongside a move into providing guest
accommodation. This is based on careful research of the area and
the tourist appeal of this spa town. We have grown our portfolio of
bistros steadily over the last 17 years, and feel we have
established a strong brand and a strong reputation for providing a
relaxed and affordable French dining experience. The refurbishment
of both our Leicester and Sheffield sites, as well as the
establishment of Ilkley demonstrates that we are committed to
growing the business further and we are grateful to NatWest for
their continued support and guidance."
Nick Pigott, relationship director, commercial banking at
NatWest adds: "Richard and John have demonstrated great
entrepreneurial spirit over the years and remain committed to
expanding the business. Ilkley is a good example of how they are
looking to tweak their offering but remaining true to the values of
the business."