This September, internationally renowned chefs Pierre Koffmann and Marco Pierre White are joining forces to launch a new restaurant in Bath, named Koffmann & Mr White’s. The brasserie will be the first time that two-three Michelin-starred chefs have teamed up to open a restaurant together, with a line-up of dishes set to include Gascon and British classics.
“I remember giving Marco a job at La Tante Claire - he was late for his first two shifts, but quickly returned to my good books when he boned a delivery of duck and pigeons for me - they were absolutely perfect,” says Pierre. “The kitchen is where I am happiest, so it’s a joy to be working on new dishes, and to be working with Marco again.”
Marco says, “For many, many, many years I reflected on my career and one of my deepest regrets was not spending more time with Pierre in the kitchen. I am looking forward to being the apprentice once again. Personally, I’m also thrilled to be opening in Bath, a city which is very close to my heart. The Abbey Hotel has a brilliant central location and together we’re looking forward to creating a fantastic new restaurant for the city.”
A godfather of the London restaurant scene, Pierre has been cooking for over fifty years. He first moved to the UK in 1970 to join the Roux brothers at Le Gavroche before opening his own restaurant, La Tante Claire, in 1977. There, he won three Michelin stars - one of only a handful of chefs to do so. Pierre has mentored some of the most esteemed chefs in the industry, with protégés including Marco, Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, Tom Kitchin and Jason Atherton.
In the late 1970s, Marco began his career as a commis chef with the Roux brothers at Le Gavroche before going on to work under Pierre’s tutelage at La Tante Claire in 1984. He opened Harvey’s in 1988, swiftly winning two Michelin stars; with his third, star, for The Restaurant Marco Pierre White, he became the first British chef to be awarded three Michelin stars, as well as the youngest chef to do so.
