An upmarket restaurant that closed suddenly last year is still empty - despite rumours a new tenant was moving in.
The shock closure of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage Canteen and Deli last May left many wondering what would happen to the corner plot in the Brewhouse building.
The unit at Royal William Yard was advertised by Urban Splash, which is responsible for the Yard's regeneration, as to let shortly after, but The Herald came to understand the lease has now been taken on.
But the director of commercial lettings for Urban Splash said this is not true.
Emily Handslip said: "As part of our marketing campaign of Unit 1 Brewhouse we have met some very interesting businesses.
"We are working hard to select the best offering to compliment the beautiful space and other operators within The Yard.
"We welcome all interest from unique South West retailers, restaurateurs or leisure operators and would be delighted to undertake a tour and viewing with any potentially interested parties.”
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall unexpectedly closed his Plymouth branch after six years in business on May 15, 2017.
The multi-award-winning food writer, broadcaster and celebrity chef first launched River Cottage Canteen and Deli in Axminster in 2008. Plymouth was the third restaurant of the national chain to open three years later.
Popular for its organic and informal dining, its opening cemented the Royal William Yard’s reputation as one of the city’s top restaurant destinations.
But when The Herald visited on the evening of its closure, the unit had been left deserted, with its phone line disconnected and boxes stacked inside.
A spokesperson for River Cottage said at the time: “We have taken the difficult decision to close our Plymouth Canteen after six years of trading in the great city.
“We have struggled with the site throughout and following the arrival of Rory Marthinusen, our new MD of River Cottage Canteen, we are focused on consolidation and growth in other areas.
“We are embarking on a new stage of the business including development at HQ and a collaboration with the renowned caterers Levy.
“We are extremely proud of the team who worked so hard for us and are hoping to offer the opportunity of relocation to our other Canteens in Bristol, Winchester and Axminster where appropriate positions are available.
“It has been a pleasure to be part of Royal William Yard and we want to thank the suppliers, producers and local community for supporting us.”
The property was then advertised for commercial let by Urban Splash. It is advertised as a "commercial property" in the Brewhouse building, with car parking available.
The website says: "The stunning Grade I Listed Brewhouse proudly sits next to the marina at the centre of Royal William Yard.
"The award winning architects, Ferguson Mann and Gillespie Yunnie, have designed the building to maximise flexibility and provide a modern office, retail and restaurant environment, yet retain as many of the original features of Brewhouse as possible.
"Exposed stone walls, columns and cast iron windows are complemented by contemporary infrastructure, combining the prestige of noble Georgian architecture with the convenience of modern commercial space.
"Brewhouse is just one of the beautifully restored naval buildings in Royal William Yard, Plymouth."
After the closure of River Cottage, Urban Splash said it was looking forward to the arrival of “brilliant” new tenants.
Ms Handslip said in May: “We are of course surprised and disappointed that River Cottage Canteen and Deli has made a decision to leave our community, but our intentions are unwavered and we are looking ahead to progressing more developments, unleashing a fantastic summer of events, [...] and the arrival of more brilliant new tenants.
“We look forward to continue to welcome more people and businesses here to live, work and play."
Built between 1826 and 1835, Royal William Yard was the major victualling depot of the Royal Navy, designed by the architect Sir John Rennie and named after King William IV.
The Brewhouse building was originally built to brew beer for the Navy to take to sea, but by the time it was built potable water had been invented, so it was never used for its original purpose.
