Raymond Blanc will launch his sixth Brasserie Blanc in the centre of Leeds in early September 2007. The 120-cover French Brasserie & Bar will be located on the former site of Leodis Restaurant (Victoria Mill, Sovereign Street, Leeds LS1 4BJ). The Brasserie will have a warm and stylish interior with banquette seating and contemporary art by acclaimed artist Jenny Muncaster.

Raymond Blanc is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s finest chefs and has held two Michelin stars at Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons for the last 22 years. Regarded as one of the most respected restaurateurs in the industry his restaurant group, Brasserie Blanc celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year.

The flagship restaurant ‘Le Petit Blanc’ originally opened in Oxford in 1996 and it was Raymond’s aim to be the best within the Brasserie scene in England - serving good quality, freshly prepared food at affordable prices. Blanc has created a welcoming brasserie-style restaurant serving real French food close to home for both everyday dining and special occasions. Brasserie Blanc’s success has continued to grow with brasseries located in key provincial towns and cities including; Oxford, Birmingham, Tunbridge Wells, Cheltenham and Manchester. With Raymond Blanc back at the helm, the group has recently undergone an exciting re-branding and refurbishment programme with further openings in Bristol and Cambridge in early 2008.

Raymond Blanc said: "Leeds is a vibrant city bursting with culture, fantastic restaurants and bars, as well as a thriving business community. I am really looking forward to being part of it and have already experienced the warm welcome that Leeds is so famous for! In an area so rich in high quality producers and growers, I am also keen to add ingredients with Yorkshire provenance to my menu. “

Raymond Blanc has introduced an exciting new menu offering a selection of classic and modern French dishes. Many dishes on the new menu are inspired by Raymond’s childhood meals his mother made including Maman Blanc’s miscellany of salads (Cherry tomato and red onion, beetroot in balsamic, dill cucumber, Jerusalem artichoke and chive, Dijon mustard carrot), Country pate and pickles (served with rustic country bread), Wild garlic and courgette soup, Charcoal grilled Harrogate Beef Sirloin, home made chips and Bearnaise Sauce, Baked Cherry Clafoutis

Raymond and the Brasserie Blanc team are currently meeting with local suppliers around the county to add a Yorkshire flavour to the menu.

The wine list is predominantly French, featuring wines sourced and bought directly from young, energetic wine makers in various regions of France. The ‘Dine with Wine’ menu offers a two course lunch or dinner (£11.50 lunch/£15 dinner) and includes a glass of wine. Lunch is served from 12 noon until 2.45pm and for dinner from 5.30pm Monday to Friday. It is also open all day Saturday and Sunday.

Raymond is taking part in Leeds Food and Drink Festival, a five-day celebration of all aspects of the city’s vibrant food culture taking place from Wednesday 8 to Sunday, 12 August 2007 and York Festival of Food & Drink on 24th September 2007.

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For further information, interviews or photos please contact: Sarah True, 01904 702274 or 07766 557313.