Insider Media Limited

Nottingham restaurant chain Le Bistrot Pierre is opening its ninth eatery after securing a funding package from NatWest.

The company is planning to open its latest venture in the Yorkshire town of Ilkley, where it will provide a restaurant and guest accommodation for the first time.

Le Bistrot Pierre, which is run by directors Robert Beacham and John Whitehead, has eight restaurants in the Midlands and the north of England.

As well as a 90 cover restaurant, the Ilkey business will include an ale house and 11 guest bedrooms. The development is close to completion and will be fully open this spring, said the directors.

NatWest has provided funding to support the purchase and development of the Ilkley site. The bank is also extending funds to support a £300,000 refurbishment programme at Le Bistrot Pierre existing bistros in Leicester and Sheffield.

Robert Beacham, director of Le Bistrot Pierre said: "This is a very exciting year for us. Ilkley is a big major investment for us, and will also see us develop our first ale house, alongside a move into providing guest accommodation. This is based on careful research of the area and the tourist appeal of this spa town.

"The refurbishment of both our Leicester and Sheffield sites, as well as the establishment of Ilkley demonstrates that we are committed to growing the business further and we are grateful to NatWest for their continued support and guidance."