News / Restaurants

End of an era for Bristol Michelin star restaurant

By Martin Booth  Monday Oct 28, 2019

One of Bristol’s best restaurants is for sale as its owners pursue a new project outside the UK.

Wilks on Chandos Road in Redland was awarded a Michelin star in 2013 just over a year after opening.

Co-owners James Wilkins and Christine Vayssade say that deciding to sell has been a “difficult decision”, with the restaurant currently open as usual.

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James said: “It has been a difficult decision for Christine and I to make. It was always our dream to set up a fine dining restaurant together.

“We opened Wilks over seven years ago and we are so grateful it has been such a success. Bristol has welcomed us with open arms and we wish to offer our sincerest thanks to all our wonderful customers, suppliers and staff, past and present, who have helped us to develop Wilks into the restaurant it is today.

“As for our reasons to sell the restaurant, we have been approached for an exciting and challenging new project outside the UK that we could not turn down.

Wilks co-owners James Wilkins and Christine Vayssade previously worked across the world before opening their first restaurant together in Bristol

“Christine and I travelled with our jobs for years before settling in Bristol and the idea of discovering a new country is very enticing to us.

“Number 1-3 Chandos Road has been a successful restaurant for over 25 years and we are looking forward to eventually handing over the reins to someone who can take it in their own direction and drive this site forward.

“In the meantime Wilks is open as usual and we look forward to seeing you all soon.“

The Wilks site has traded as a restaurant for more than two decades, having previously operated as Culinaria and Red Snapper.

A new lease is being marketed by Fleurets at a guide premium of £175,000 and an annual rent of £27,500.

Read more: Wilks gains Michelin star

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