Café Rouge to trial name change under plans to create a 'more modern' dining experience
The group's newly-renovated Haywards Heath restaurant will officially reopen under its new name Rouge on 22 November.
It will be the first of a select few sites to pilot changes to the Café Rouge brand identity, which is intended to 'improve ambience and create a more modern, and relaxing dining experience'.
“We have done a lot of research over the last few months and paid careful attention to customer feedback," says Steve Worrall, Café Rouge brand director.
"As part of our efforts to evolve the brand, we are constantly thinking about the future of our brands and how we can elevate our customer’s dining experience with us.
“We knew our Haywards Heath restaurant would make a fantastic first choice as a pilot restaurant and it will be the first of several sites where we will be piloting a number of
different new concepts and ideas.
“We are very excited to showcase this new look and for Rouge to become a place for locals to reconnect in a beautiful environment."
Rouge will continue to focus on Parisian dining, serving a French-influenced menu overseen by executive chef Bruno Bella.
The new menu will feature classic dishes including escargot and bouillabaisse, alongside new, contemporary brasserie options such as scallop baked in garlic and parsley butter with parmesan crumb; and a 'vegan-friendly' cauliflower steak with harissa hummus, toasted chickpeas and pomegranate.
Drinks will also feature a new Champagne cocktail selection.
The Haywards Heath restaurant's new interiors are described as 'casual and sophisticated', while the extended terrace area will feature new outdoor lighting and heating.
“It’s been a wonderful experience working on this new concept for our restaurant," says Javier Llopis, general manager of Rouge Haywards Heath.
"Guests can expect the same fantastic service with a new, fresher design and a contemporary feel."
Café Rouge is owned by Big Table Group, which also operates the Bella Italia and Las Iguanas brands and has more than 150 restaurants across the UK and Ireland.
News of Café Rouge's name change follows the announcement last month that American-Italian brand Frankie & Benny’s has dropped by Benny’s name from its logo as part of a more modern identity.
