Burton Race Vows to Open New Devon Restaurant

CELEBRITY TV chef John Burton Race has said he could open up a new restaurant in Devon after his Michelin-star eatery was put up for sale by administrators.

The New Angel, in Dartmouth, is going on the market together with the adjoining six-bedroom Angel Rooms bed and breakfast business.

The chef said he had already turned down two offers for the restaurant, which was closed by his estranged wife while he was away filming for ITV`s I`m A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here, adding: "There are at least four more interested parties.

"One is a very well known celebrity chef, who has asked me to keep it confidential until his offer has been put on the table."

He has not reached a decision over one bidder`s offer for him to stay on at the New Angel.

The chef said said he wanted to stay in the area, and said: "I can categorically say that I will open a place not too far away if I don`t stay at the New Angel."

The New Angel restaurant, bought by Mr Burton Race three years ago for £500,000, has total debts of over £1.1 million, said independent business rescue, recovery and restructuring specialist, Begbies Traynor, which has been called in to act as administrator.

While he was in the Australian jungle, a notice appeared in the window saying: "It is with deep regret that the New Angel restaurant and rooms will cease trading."