Chef Rowley Leigh to provide menu for new Odeon boutique cinema
Leigh has joined the company as a consultant chef to work on the menu for its new boutique cinema brand The Lounge where squid and salsify fritters; fillet steak hamburgers and gourmet ice cream sodas will replace the usual fayre of popcorn, hotdogs and nachos.
Each of the five, 50-seat screening rooms will have their own call button, allowing customers to order dishes such as Hamburger 'Royale' with fillet steak or Red Mullet Risotto and gourmet snacks.
Leigh, who opened Le Cafe Anglais at Whiteleys in 2007, said: "This is an exciting project in so many ways. By taking my food to the movies, I am just doing what I have sought to do all my professional life, which is to take gastronomy to an ever wider and younger audience.
“A couple will be able to see a film in first-class surroundings whilst enjoying a fantastic meal, with waiter service and a glass of wine, for £30 to £40 per head."
Leigh said dishes are currently being trialled to find out what dishes work within that environment before the cinema opens in January.
Odeon and UCI chief executive Rupert Gavin said: “We’re incredibly pleased to announce the imminent launch of our premium cinema concept, The Lounge. Through the offer of restaurant-quality food and drink direct to your seat and a wide variety of the latest films in an intimate setting, we’re appealing to the discerning film fan looking for an evening of first-class entertainment.”
The Lounge will also offer a range of other features, including an on-site concierge desk with a dedicated cinema booking and film selection service and a private bar area.
