Henry Boot signs top restaurateurs to The Courthouse

Henry Boot Developments Limited, one of the UK's leading property development companies, has agreed terms to let the entire lower ground floor of The Courthouse to Steve Pilling and chef partner Simon Stanley - two of the city's leading restaurant proprietors.

The 6,000 sq ft letting follows confirmation that Henry Boot Developments has successfully secured planning approval for its re-development and refurbishment of the property, formerly the County Courts building on Deansgate, Manchester.

The 450-capacity venue is the perfect location to herald Steve's long-awaited return to the city centre. With a menu comprising the highest quality, locally sourced, British food and boasting the best wine cellar in Manchester, The Courthouse will prove the perfect location to launch the latest restaurant and bar concept in the city - Mr Pilling's Roast Restaurant and Oyster Bar.

Adam Brady, head of Henry Boot Developments' Manchester office, commented: "We are extremely pleased that Steve chose The Courthouse to launch his new concept. Being 100% self-funded our organisation has the luxury of being able to work alongside an exciting new venture that sets the tone for the rest of the building. We have worked closely with Steve to secure his involvement in the scheme and by bringing in an anchor tenant such as Mr Pilling's Roast Restaurant and Oyster Bar, the scene is now set for The Courthouse to become a first class destination within the city."

Steve Pilling began his culinary career at Manchester's most iconic hotel, The Midland, and went on to build two multi-million pound operations from scratch in Mr Sam's and Mr Thomas's Chophouses. While Simon Stanley has worked with some of the country's leading chefs including Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc.

Together, they have developed two of the most exciting independent restaurants in Manchester - Damson, in Heaton Moor - and top British gastro pub - The Red Lion, in High Lane, Stockport.

Steve Pilling said: "We're really excited about the prospect of opening up again in Manchester and working with Henry Boot to build a high quality bar and restaurant in the city to develop a long lasting legacy."

Simon Stanley added: "We're going to bring the very best of everything we've done in the last few years and create simple, clean food in a warm, traditional environment."

The letting has been agreed by Cheetham & Mortimer, the retained retail and leisure agent for the scheme, alongside DMR Richtrend. Matthews & Goodman and DTZ are the appointed office agents.

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For more information about Henry Boot Developments or The Courthouse development please contact Clare Lawrence at MC2 on 0161 236 1352.

For more information about Mr Pilling's Roast Restaurant and Oyster Bar or to interview Steve or Simon call Cheryl Latham on 07738 298 927.