CELEBRITY chef Raymond Blanc is to open a restaurant in St Albans city centre later this year.

The famous culinary expert has taken over two empty units in Verulam Road and is expected to open his Brasserie Blanc on July 9, the Review can reveal.

Commenting Raymond Blanc said: "We are very excited to be opening a Brasserie Blanc in such a vibrant city. I am looking forward to visiting the city to learn more about its culture and to talk to some of the local food producers in the area."

The news has been welcomed by St Albans Chamber of Commerce president Peter Goodman who said: "Since Roman times the restaurant trade has been at the centre of the St Albans economy.

"For that reason the St Albans chamber has a best restaurant award in its annual community business awards.

"The news that Raymond Blanc will be opening in St Albans in the summer, following so soon after Jamie Oliver, is great news for the district and adds further quality to what is already a very strong sector in the city."

District councillor Beric Read, who has recently been working with retailers to help boost trade in the city centre, the restaurant will be positive news for the district.

He said: "The restaurant will be great for the street and will help boost trade in the area.

"We've had Jamie Oliver recently open up, and St Albans also has other names such as Cath Kidston, and while there have been a couple of empty shops there has been a lot of interest in them."