Merrion Centre restaurant shut following 'contractual renegotiations'
Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White has closed his New York Italian restaurant at the Merrion Centre, barely a year after opening.
The group chain - which also has branches in Sheffield, Manchester and London - closed its doors to the public last week, reportedly due to 'contractual renegotiations'.
The news will come as something of a surprise to those who felt that the Leeds-born chef was destined to triumph in the city of his birth (perhaps less of a surprise to the people who have eaten in one).
Nick Taplin, CEO of Black and White Hospitality, franchisers of MPW's restaurants, told The Caterer: "The core New York Italian restaurant business and brand remain strong but the market is tough, noticeably so in Leeds.
"The competition has increased and economic uncertainties have posed challenges leading to a number of high profile restaurant closures across the city."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Merrion Centre's owners, Town Centre Securities, said they looked forward to welcoming 'another exciting new addition to the Merrion Centre soon'.
Marco Pierre White has yet to comment (and we doubt he will).
