PAUL Heathcote is selling off his first restaurant.

The Longridge Restaurant was opened in Higher Road nearly 20 years ago by the Michelin-starred chef, who now owns 10 restaurants across the North West.

Mr Heathcote said the move would allow him to concentrate on expanding his range of Olive Press restaurants.

“Longridge has been open for almost 20 years and it is very much a proprietor-run business,” he said.

“The ideal owner is someone who just wants one independent, exclusive restaurant.

“It is important to stress these moves are being made as we react to market conditions and customer demand.”

The chef said he had received interest in The Longridge Restaurant from senior staff within Heathcotes, but could not comment further as “negotiations are sensitive and confidential.”

On plans to expand his portfolio of eight Olive Press restaurants, Mr Heathcote said: “There is definitely a call for more restaurants of this ilk. As the credit crunch bites and more and more people become affected they are looking for options to eat out which will ensure good quality food but at a reasonable price and the Olive Press meets these demands perfectly.”

The Longridge Restaurant will remain open until a buyer is found.

Mr Heathcote said all staff working at the restaurant would be offered other posts with the company, and that a series of events were being planned to celebrate the end of the Heathcotes Longridge era.