Press Releases
Christie Finance funds the purchase of an acclaimed Kent restaurant, featured on Channel 4's Risking it All
A Kent restaurant which featured on the Channel 4 series Risking it All has just changed hands, with mortgage brokers Christie Finance providing the finance for the new owners.
Experienced restaurateurs Karen and Christopher Williams from Saffron Walden in Essex have purchased the freehold interest in the acclaimed Blue Vinny Restaurant in the High Street of the Kent Downs village of Elham, near Canterbury, from its owners and founders, Steve Butcher and Lindsay McNally.
The Blue Vinny is a stylish and upmarket 40-cover restaurant with four-bedroom owner’s accommodation and patio garden.
In 2004 Steve and Lindsay ‘risked it all’ to follow their dream of starting their own restaurant, documented in full by Channel 4. Theirs was a success story, and the Blue Vinny quickly became established as one of the most popular and sought-after eating places in the Kent Downs region. Nearly three years on, Steve and Lindsay have sold the freehold interest and are moving to the Alps to take on a new challenge.
Nicholas Baker, Ipswich-based business mortgage broker for Christie Finance, comments: “New owners Karen and Christopher Williams are planning to use high quality, locally sourced produce, including day boat fish from nearby Hythe and have an extensive new and old world wine list which provides excellent value for money. They open for lunch and dinner and commenced trading on Friday 2nd March. Their web site address is www.bluevinnyrestaurant.co.uk.
Like Steve and Lindsay, Karen and Christopher previously fulfilled an ambition to establish their own restaurant, in Saffron Walden, which they owned and ran from May 1999 to July 2003. Having successfully created a restaurant with Michelin recognition and a reputation locally for the finest quality food, wine and service, Karen and Christopher are ideally placed to take over the Blue Vinny and build on their predecessors’ hard work.
We were delighted to act on behalf of Karen and Christopher in negotiating a finance deal for their freehold purchase of the Blue Vinny restaurant. After approaching numerous lenders we were able to offer a choice of two market leading deals, which further demonstrates Christie Finance’s expertise within our specialist business sectors. We wish Karen and Christopher every success with their new restaurant venture.”
Christopher Williams comments:" From start to finish Nick and Christie Finance have proved to be consummate professionals. Their ability and contacts have brokered a finance package that not only suits our commercial requirements but provided a competitive package that more than covered any cost involved. Even our solicitor was impressed!"
For further information please contact Nicholas Baker in the Ipswich office of Christie Finance on 01473 234905 or nicholas.baker@christiefinance.com
Our Ref: CFIps701
