Press Releases
Christie Finance assists executive head chef of Billesley Manor to purchase his first restaurant
In an off-market deal negotiated by Christie + Co and funded through Christie Finance, Mr and Mrs Vincenzo D’Elia, freeholders and proprietors of Rossini’s Restaurant in Alcester, South Warwickshire, have created a new lease for Christopher and Gail Short to establish their first restaurant, Essence.
Christopher Short, formerly executive head chef at the 4 Star, AA 2 Rosette rated Billesley Manor Hotel, is a highly motivated professional chef with a career spanning over 20 years and was twice a finalist in the annual Midlands Chef of the Year competition. Christie + Co handled the sale on behalf of the D’Elias and their associate company, Christie Finance, handled the funding for the Shorts.
Tamar McDonough of the Birmingham office of international restaurant agents, Christie + Co, comments: “I had kept in regular contact with Chris Short in his search for premises and asked if there was a particular restaurant he would buy if it came to the market. When he mentioned Rossini’s Restaurant in his home town of Alcester, I approached the freeholders, Mr and Mrs Vincenzo D’Elia, and subsequently negotiated the sale of a new 25-year lease on the premises to Mr and Mrs Short.”
Mr D’Elia, who remains the freeholder, had operated Rossini’s 28 years and is now moving on to a new career as a restaurant consultant. The premises, at 50 Birmingham Road, comprise a 44-cover restaurant, 30-cover bar and two-bedroom staff accommodation.
Having negotiated the lease, Tamar McDonough then put the Shorts in touch with Mark Moody of Christie Finance, the independent mortgage brokers, who arranged the funding. This was followed by a business appraisal by Pinders, insurance by Dipen Patel of Christie Insurance and, finally, stock valuation arranged with Scott Hulme at Venners, which all represents the ‘One-Stop Shop’ at the Christie Group.
Tamar McDonough concludes: “It is with sadness that Mr and Mrs D’Elia leave Rossini’s after building up such a distinguished local reputation and a strong loyal following in the area. I am sure that Vincenzo will go on to share his wealth of experience with his future clients.”
Mark Moody, financial consultant from Christie Finance, comments: “By providing a finance solution tailored to their requirements, we are delighted to have assisted Christopher and Gail Short to realise their dream of operating their own restaurant. In their capable hands I am certain that Essence will be a great success and a fine addition to the Warwickshire dining scene.”
For further information please contact Tamar McDonough of Christie + Co or Mark Moody of Christie Finance in Birmingham on: Tel: 0121 456 1222
Our Ref: Bir618
