Pilling returns for Henry Boot restaurant

Henry Boot Developments has let the lower ground floor of The Courthouse on Manchester's Deansgate to Steve Pilling and chef partner Simon Stanley.

To be called Mr Pilling's Roast Restaurant & Oyster Bar, the 450-capacity venue will be Pilling's return to the centre following his previous success in establishing Mr Sam's and Mr Thomas's Chophouses.

Pilling and Stanley have already worked together at Damson in Heaton Moor and gastro pub The Red Lion, in High Lane, Stockport.

Henry Boot's 6,000 sq ft deal follows planning consent in June for the office-over-leisure conversion of the former County Courts building.

Mr Pilling's will serve quality, locally sourced British food and "the best wine cellar in Manchester".

Adam Brady, head of Henry Boot Developments' Manchester office, said: "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."

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."

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."

Cheetham & Mortimer advised Henry Boot as retail and leisure agent, retained alongside DMR Richtrend. Matthews & Goodman and DTZ are the appointed office agents.