Pilling and Stanley to open at the Courthouse

Restaurateurs Steve Pilling and Simon Stanley are set to open a new restaurant and bar concept at the proposed Courthouse development in Manchester, after securing a 6,000sq ft unit at the site.

The 450-cover restaurant and bar concept - Mr Pilling's Roast Restaurant and Oyster Bar - will feature locally sourced, British food and house the "best wine cellar in Manchester".

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 Stanley has worked with some of the country's leading chefs including Marco Pierre White and Raymond Blanc.

Together, they have developed Damson, in Heaton Moor and gastropub - the Red Lion, in High Lane, Stockport.

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 said: "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."

Henry Boot Developments Limited, the property development company secured planning approval for the re-development and refurbishment of the property, formerly the County Courts building in the Deansgate area of the city, earlier this year.

This Grade II listed building will be transformed into 13,500sq ft of office space and over 14,000sq ft of retail and leisure accommodation.

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."

Property advisors Cheetham & Mortimer and DMR Richtrend secured Pilling and Stanley for the scheme.