Redesign for new food quarter

A HUGE remodelling of Cathedral Lanes in Broadgate is now under way, with the scale of the transformation explaining why eagerly anticipated addition The Botanist will not open its doors there until January 2019.

The Botanist is one of three new restaurants opening at what is increasingly becoming Coventry’s go-to dining destination.

Zizzi’s and Bistrot Pierre are set to open at the venue this year, with Zizzi’s located on the ground floor of the former Blacks outdoor store on the ground floor, which was more recently an armed forces charity shop.

Bistrot Pierre will be sited immediately above it on the first floor.

However, the Botanist will sit at the very heart of a new-look Cathedral Lanes, being sited on the first floor of the atrium area. The central atrium is currently an open space but that will be used to create new units, with the Botanist on the first floor.

It is not yet clear what will be on the ground floor but last year it emerged 11 operators were interested in seven new restaurants to be created at the site as part of Shearer Property Group’s expansion plans for the complex. Work has now begun on both Bistrot Pierre and Zizzi’s and work on transforming the existing atrium to pave the way for The Botanist will begin in February.

The atrium will then be closed off due to construction work but people will be able to access all the restaurants at Cathedral Lanes, and retailer Wilko, by existing entrances from Broadgate.

Zizzi’s has more than 140 restaurants across the UK, with the closest one to Coventry currently in Kenilworth. The chain is known for its authentic Italian food which includes signature ‘rustica’ pizzas – hand stretched, thin and crispy – and the Zizzi Spiedini hanging kebab.

The Botanist also specialises in hanging kebabs, watering cans filled with cocktails and carafes of gin and tonic.

French restaurant group Bistrot Pierre is expected to open its Cathedral Lanes operation this summer and will have space to welcome 124 diners.

There will also be a terrace area for al fresco dining and a small bar area. The restaurant will be the group’s sixth to open in the Midlands.