Proprietor Peter Newman said he had decided to put the business up for sale following approaches from two different parties either to buy the restaurant outright or to enter into a partnership agreement.

'I think it would be sensible to have someone else on board with more experience in the restaurant world as we take the company forward', he said. 'I decided to put the business on the market to see how much it is really worth.'

Executive chef Daniel Galmiche, who replaced Alan Murchison last summer, has been retained, as have the finance director and human resources director. Remaining staff have been given two months' notice, but they will be offered their old jobs back, should the restaurant reopen.

L'Ortolan will be closed from 21 February in order to add another dining room to the listed building. The extension will increase capacity from 55 to 85 covers.

Proprietor Peter Newman said he had decided to put the business up for sale following approaches from two different parties either to buy the restaurant outright or to enter into a partnership agreement.

'I think it would be sensible to have someone else on board with more experience in the restaurant world as we take the company forward', he said. 'I decided to put the business on the market to see how much it is really worth.'

Executive chef Daniel Galmiche, who replaced Alan Murchison last summer, has been retained, as have the finance director and human resources director. Remaining staff have been given two months' notice, but they will be offered their old jobs back, should the restaurant reopen.

L'Ortolan will be closed from 21 February in order to add another dining room to the listed building. The extension will increase capacity from 55 to 85 covers.