Famous Nottingham chef Laurence Henry and ex-Masterchef winner will oversee the new restaurant at the Island Quarter.
Laurence Henry was named chef patron of Canal Turn, the restaurant and entertainment venue currently located at The Island Quarter development.
According to the developer, the development of the land that was Boots Island’s former site is a unique opportunity in the UK. It will include a 5-star hotel, offices, and residential apartments.
Laurence was 25 when he won MasterChef: The Professionals 2018. He has been in talks for over two years about his new job and hopes to settle down in his hometown.
He was involved in the design and planning of the restaurant space, which will be three stories high and open next spring.
Laurence will be able to show off his culinary talents at each level, which will make them “something special for Nottingham”.
Laurence stated: “To be involved at this exciting new venue Nottingham is absolutely amazing and I am so happy I can now shout it.
“I’ve been searching for a place where I can be creative and my own chef, and it is amazing to have this opportunity in Nottingham.
“I was able to participate in the development of the restaurant space and bar space since the beginning. Conygar, the (Island Quarter) developers, has been a great experience. They have allowed me to develop the project in my own way which is rare. This gives me the opportunity to offer a unique guest experience in Nottingham and the Midlands.
Canalside Lower Level will be a bar/grill. It is an open-plan venue with large windows overlooking the canal.
Laurence will open his signature restaurant on the middle level. It will showcase his culinary skills and creativity.
The upper events level has a large open space that can hold 200 people and is ideal for events, parties, and celebrations.
Conygar will announce the names of the venues within Canal Turn shortly, Laurence being a key part of the decision-making. The names will be based on Nottingham’s past and Canal Turn’s position on a significant site, which has a rich heritage.
Robert Ware, Conygar CEO, stated: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce Laurence’s role as Canal Turn operator. We have been working closely with him for some time now, and we are delighted to announce our partnership.
“Laurence is a well-known celebrity chef in the UK, particularly in Nottingham. This is partly due to his win on MasterChef 2018, which was broadcast by BBC. With his distinctive style, we know Laurence will make the venue his own. We know that Nottingham’s Michelin-starred restaurants are what put it on the map. Laurence Henry will help to make this venue even more special.
Robert will provide more information on food, menus and restaurant names, as well as images of interiors in the coming months.
Laurence stated: “I am eager to take advantage my MasterChef win, and build upon my reputation and that the venues to make Canal Turn a huge success. This is The Island Quarter’s first phase and I cannot wait to start on this exciting adventure.
Marcus Wareing, 2018 MasterChef judge, said that he was innovative and creative and leaves no stone unturned in the kitchen. He is, in my opinion, the next generation.
