Restaurant's mystery closure

7:40pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

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ONE of Winchester’s best-known restaurants has closed just as another iconic eatery plans to reopen its doors.

Café de Paris, in Jewry Street, shut about three weeks ago, although there has been no official reason given.

Owner, David Birmingham, is away in America.

Liz Dear, who manages Greens wine bar next door, said she was surprised Café de Paris had ceased trading.

She said: “Someone came to collect all the furniture, but nobody really knows for sure why it closed.”

Keith Wilson, contracts and compliance manager for Winchester’s Business Improvement District, also said the reason was unclear.

He said: “Obviously it is a well known business in Winchester, so we are sorry to see it go.

“Mostly, Winchester has been spared the worst of the credit crunch.

“A lot of people are obviously seeing some effect, although footfall in the city is still looking very good, and we’re getting in the same number of people as before.”

But there was better news for diners, with The Old Chesil Rectory set for a re-launch tomorrow (Friday).

New owner, Mark Dodd, has attracted former Fortnum and Mason chef, Damian Brown, to the Chesil Street venue, which dates back to 1427, and has previously attracted a Michelin star.

Cllr George Beckett, leader of Winchester City Council, and who also handles its local economy portfolio, said: “I think we’re doing better than many cities, but we have to make sure that we keep our wits about us.

“Winchester is a unique place and has a unique offering, and while not being isolated from the economic downturn, we are better placed than most.

“We do start from a strong position.”

He added that the council was taking steps to promote Winchester’s economy, such as attracting more visitors through its tourist office.

Some businesses have been unable to keep trading, however, such as the North Walls bar and restaurant in North Walls.

But signs have appeared at the venue saying it will reopen as Parchments Cellar and Stove later this month (October).

Winchester’s pub sector is also going through some changes. The leases of The Albion in Stockbridge Road, and The White Swan, in Hyde Street, have been put up for sale by Jan and Jane Wisniewski.

The lease at the Percy Hobbs pub at Morn Hill, previously owned by Mitchells and Butlers, is also on the market.

Keith Goodwin, licensed restaurants and pubs sales negotiator for Christie + Co in Winchester, said it was generating plenty of interest.

He said: “We’ve been contacted by several people about this pub, and we’ve held a meeting with one potential buyer, and we’re closing in on a deal.

“I can’t say exactly what they’re planning to do with it, but the pub will remain as a pub.”