The High Street Kitchen, a new relaxed fine dining restaurant, is set to open at the former Pizza Express unit located at 68 High Street, Lymington. Savills advised the landlord the Whitelock Group on the letting.
The unit provides approximately c.2,660 sq ft (247 sq m) over basement and a ground floor restaurant area, previously seating approximately 68 covers with a small rear courtyard terrace.
Gavin Barnes, owner of The High Street Kitchen, says: “It has long been my dream to open a restaurant and I am delighted to now have the opportunity to do so in my adopted hometown of Lymington.”
“The Highstreet Kitchen is built around the vision of a relaxed fine dining experience which champions the incredible seasonal produce available locally supplemented by the finest ingredients from around the world. My dining style is based on simple food well-cooked so you can expect an honest and uncomplicated but perfectly crafted meal when you join us for a meal - which I hope will be soon!”
Gavin has over 24 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. He made it to the final 10 of 2015’s MasterChef The Professionals and most recently, he was Executive Head Chef at Brooklands Hotel in Weybridge. Most notably he spent seven years working with the late, Gerard Basset OBE, MW, MS, MBA, MSc (OIV), ASI World Best Sommelier 2010 and Nina Basset FIH as their Head Chef, first at Hotel Terravina and throughout its transformation into Spot in the Woods.
Chris Bickle, Director in the Licensed Leisure team at Savills Southampton, adds: “Lymington is one of the most sought after market towns in Hampshire and is increasingly a target for regional and national retail and hospitality businesses. The campaign generated multiple expressions of interest and Gavin’s enthusiasm and vision for this long established local restaurant unit won through.”
The Whitelock Group has carried out renovation works to the roof and exterior of the building and is refurbishing office suites which will be available soon.