Cote to open fifth site

The company, run by Andy Bassadone and chef Chris Benians, has secured the site of Cuban bar and restaurant La Bodeguita del Medio in Kensington Court for an undisclosed sum through Davis Coffer Lyons.

Next month, the fourth Cote will open in Covent Garden following openings in Soho and Richmond earlier this year. The first site opened in Wimbledon in 2007.

Casey Phillips, Acting Agent at DCL, said: “This is another great location for Cote to add to its portfolio. Kensington is one of London’s top destinations for shopping and eating, and with major brands such as Wholefoods, American Apparel, Wagamama, and Giraffe recently taking sites in the area it looks set to maintain this position.

“The site sits right next to a new retail and office scheme which will open up Kensington Court to create a European-style alfresco eating space and this will work really well with Cote’s French bistro concept.”

Cote, which is listed in this year`s Good Food Guide’s Best Value Restaurants section, was the brainchild of Bassadone, Benian and fellow directors Marcus Cload and Nick Fiddler who wanted to create a French mid-market restaurant similar to the Italian chain Strada, which they set up. The company is financially backed by Richard Caring.