Well-known chef selling inner-city restaurant

Christchurch chef Jonny Schwass is selling his Harlequin Public House restaurant and bar in the central city.

The well-known restaurateur established the restaurant in mid-2013 in the restored Ironside House, a large heritage weatherboard house on the corner of Victoria and Salisbury streets.

Schwass owns the business with his business partner, George Binnersley. It has won many awards. Binnersley did not wish to comment on the sale of the restaurant, and Schwass did not return a request for comment. The pair also own Mrs Huck’s restaurant in Show Place in Addington, and a mobile spit-roast business called Charcoal Relief Unit.

Schwass is understood to be considering establishing a new restaurant, and has been considering a tenancy in a new three-storey building planned by developers Studio D4 at 150 Lichfield St, by Poplar Lane.

Studio D4 spokesman Paul Naylor said he did not know what Schwass had planned, but thought it would be ‘‘a unique Jonny Schwass offering’’. Other hospitality businesses including Dux Central are already established in that area.

Marketing information for the sale of Harlequin Public House describes the business as ‘‘a multi-faceted hospitality hub’’ in a heritage setting.

The late 19th-century building has been owned by H & H Developments since 1999 and is not part of the sale. It was repaired and restored for Harlequin Public House after the earthquakes.

The business has a front deck, two dining rooms, a seafood bar, a cocktail snug, a drawing room available for private functions and a 1am liquor licence.

Schwass’ previous businesses have included Gorilla in Ferrymead, and Restaurant Schwass in Ferry Rd.

The chef was chosen as Cuisine magazine’s Restaurant Personality of The Year in 2011.