Punch Taverns rolls out new West Coast chain

Punch Taverns' managed pub business has finally - and officially - unveiled its new retail concept, called West Coast Grill & Bar.

Flagged by Punch Pub Company boss Mike Tye earlier this year, the development has seen six former Old Orleans restaurants converted into what the group describes as a "casual, fun, dining experience".

Punch said it had spent just over £1m transforming the Old Orleans sites into the new concept.

Punch Pub Company's operations director, Dan Robinson, said: "We don't want West Coast Grill & Bar to be just another new place in town but the place to go for fast and friendly service, great food and drinks with all our guests leaving with a smile every time they visit.

"We are very proud of what we have achieved with West Coast Grill & Bar; it has been tailored to suit the individual site locations, which are all out of town leisure and retail parks."

A number of Old Orleans sites reverted to Punch last year when Regent Inns, to whom it sold the chain in August 2006 for £26m, underwent a pre-pack administration. There are no plans to transform remaining Old Orleans sites for the time being.

The six West Coast Grill & Bars are located in:

• Cardiff

• Maidstone

• Newcastle

• Northampton

• Norwich

• Surrey Quays.