One of the country's most famous chefs is to open two brand-new venues in Felixstowe.

Both will be located at what is currently The Brook Hotel on Orwell Road and will include a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill and a pub-based venue called The Queen's Head, which will fall under the Marco Pierre White Ale House brand and will be the first of its kind in the country 

Comprising an investment of over £750,000, the work will transform what is currently a Best Western branded hotel into a boutique-style hotel called Hotel Coco. Generating more than 20 jobs for the local area, once complete, the new hotel, restaurant and pub are expected to start welcoming guests by early summer.

Regarded by many to be the greatest ever UK chef, the famed restaurateur has led the UK gastronomy scene for over 40 years and is regarded by many to have single-handedly dragged it to being at the forefront of modern cooking. 

Having helped kick-start the careers of many famous chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Heston Blumenthal and Jason Atherton, all of whom trained under him, and famed for his no-nonsense approach, he is looking forward to bringing his own brand of dining to the town.

The new Steakhouse Bar & Grill will replace what was the hotel's restaurant and follows a deal between owners the Govindasamy family and Black and White Hospitality, which is the franchising arm of Pierre White's restaurants.

Bringing to life Marco's own philosophy of what he describes as 'affordable glamour', the Steakhouse Bar & Grill's exciting dining experience includes signature steaks, and timeless English and French classics.

The menu is exclusively curated by Pierre White and includes a mix of childhood favourites and modern-day delicacies. The restaurant will also serve a delicious range of cocktails and wine.

Meanwhile the new pub will appeal to locals and visitors who want to enjoy quality food and drink, but in a more casual setting than a formal restaurant.

With a traditional, homely feel, it will serve simple, classic food from Pierre White's various restaurant menus such as pies, fish and chips and butcher's steaks - perfect pub grub.

Muralee Govindasamy, owner of the hotel since 2002 said: "We're incredibly excited about the plans for the hotel and restaurant. The investment will elevate the venue considerably and we're absolutely delighted to have someone of Marco's calibre open one of his restaurants in Felixstowe.

"This is great news for the town and is also fantastic news for the whole area.

"Alongside the new restaurant, the private dining areas and courtyard are being completely transformed to offer a superb dining experience within the hotel for both residents and non-residents alike.

"In addition, to be the first location in the whole of the UK to open the new pub concept is a massive privilege and we can't wait to start pulling pints and serving classic pub food to travellers and locals alike.

"We also want this to become a real hub where local residents, families and community groups feel comfortable to meet up and enjoy the atmosphere of a venue that has been devised by one of the country's most respected hospitality greats."

Nick Taplin, Chairman and CEO of Black and White Hospitality added: "This is fantastic news for Felixstowe.

"The Steakhouse is the perfect fit for the hotel's restaurant space, not only in terms of the location but for those who will dine in it including residents of the hotel and guests who just want a good meal out. 

"The Great British pub is more than just a place to drink beer. The best become hubs of their community or places where locals go out to eat. The Marco Pierre White Ale House will offer quality food in a more casual atmosphere and we're delighted to have teamed up with Muralee and to be opening in this fantastic location." 

For further information please visit http://www.mpwrestaurants.co.uk/

Marco Pierre White Restaurants | Steakhouse, Bar & Grill UK

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