Wolseley seeks to export success

The owners of The Wolseley aim to open restaurants in New York, Los Angeles and India.

Jeremy King and Chris Corbin, the driving force behind the restaurant in Piccadilly, have been looking at sites in America and farther afield after talks to buy the Oak Room and Oak Bar at The Plaza in Fifth Avenue in New York fell through.

The move comes after a major cash injection two years ago from London-based private equity group Dawnay, Day.

A report in the Square Meal magazine says the pair's holding company Rex Restaurants could open five to six restaurants over the next few years.

But the magazine claims there is no fixed roll-out plan, allowing the two men to investigate any sites meeting their criteria.

It has been known that they have been looking for ventures abroad for a year, with Dubai and Paris being mentioned. Mr Corbin and Mr King, dubbed the "Batman and Robin of London dining", have revived and sold some of the capital's best-known restaurants for 20 years, including Le Caprice, J Sheekey and The Ivy.

The Wolseley has continued their run of success as they transformed it from a former Twenties car showroom into one of the best venues in the capital.

Last year, the Standard revealed the turnover for Rex Restaurants from the restaurant rose by eight per cent to £10.28 million for the year.