Dinner queue forms to take over La Tasca site

BUSINESSES are queuing up to open in the closed-down La Tasca restaurant – because it is close to the Theatre Royal and Reel cinema.

The Spanish-themed diner, at Derry's Cross, shut last month with the loss of 13 jobs, after suffering financial problems.

The unit is now being marketed, at a rent of £70,000 a year, and is already attracting interest.

Leading London-based real estate advisory organisation Colliers International has been appointed to re-let the former La Tasca restaurants in Plymouth and Southend.

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And Ross Kirton, Colliers' director of licensed and leisure said he is hopeful the Plymouth unit will be filled soon – most likely with another restaurant.

"We've had quite a bit of interest," he said. "From independents. It's promising."

He said that was because chains are slower to react, having layers of management to clear before a decision is made.

And he added: "I think corporate occupiers will express interest."

Mr Kirton said the unit could be turned into a shop, but it was more likely to remain a restaurant due to its proximity to the Theatre Royal and the Reel Cinema.

"Its most likely use is as casual dining," he said. "Cinemas and theatres act as a catalyst."

He said cinemas attract a clientele in the 16- to 24-year-old bracket, while theatres attract an older age range, in addition.

"You should get adults pre- and post-theatre, and families after the cinema," he said. "It should appeal to a range of people."

The 200-seat restaurant closed when it, and the Southend outlet, were handed back to their landlords at the end of last month following the approval of La Tasca's Company Voluntary Agreement (CVA).

The 60-unit chain restructured, shedding 16 units, including Plymouth's, after making a £2million annual loss.

The Plymouth unit is part of a large leisure scheme owned by Borehamwood-based property developer Kailash Estates, which build the block.

It also contains units let to The Gym, Bella Italia, Revolution, Varsity and Travelodge.

Mr Kirton said the Plymouth and Southend units were both situated on "main food and beverage circuits".

"They are being offered to the market partially fitted therefore offering potential tenants the opportunity to acquire sites on the main circuits with lower development/refurbishmment costs," he said.