Following a "major redesign", the refurbished Côte - formerly Côte Brasserie - has officially launched in St Albans city centre.
The High Street restaurant had been shut for nine months prior to a VIP launch event last night (Thursday, March 21).
The cosy, dark aesthetic of the restaurant has now been replaced by a lighter, open space, designed to allow room for guests to mingle in a modern-looking environment.
The branch now allows seating for up to 140 guests, with warm lights, plants, mirrors and a brand-new bar installed.
During the official opening, an artist created French-style portraits of guests, a band played in the corner and a 360-degree selfie machine was available for use.
Champagne was poured into a tower of glasses to mark the official launch of the site.
Newly appointed general manager, Ioana Decu, said during a speech on the night: "I am the leader of a wonderful team of very talented, skilled people.
"They cannot wait to start delighting you and immersing you in the 'je ne sais quoi' experience, but most importantly, to be part of your memories in time.
"We feel very lucky to share with you this fresh new start."
Speaking of the alterations made to the site, Ioana added: "The changes to the restaurant aim to make every guest feel more included, to promote friendliness, sociability, jolliness and togetherness.
"We have adjusted our bar, and the bar area. We have made it brighter and more accessible.
"We have added plants to bring more freshness, and we have added art paintings to inspire jolliness and make the French art an every day reality."
Menu changes
Along with physical alterations to the restaurant, a new menu has been designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef, Steve Allen.
Steve has worked at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Petrus and opened Gordon Ramsay at Claridges which won a Michelin star within its first year.
The chef added: "I have been cooking French cuisine since the age of 13 our menu is a reflection of everything I love about French food.
"Our main focus is and always will be about the taste of our food at Côte. Simple, yet complex and delicious.”
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