A familiar face to viewers of TV programmes such as BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and Great British Menu is understood to be one of a number of restaurateurs looking to take over at Woods.
The popular dining establishment closed earlier this year, following a failed attempt by the Woods family to sell the popular business, which has been operating in The Pantiles for nearly 20 years.
It is understood Mr Kochhar, one of the first Indian chefs in the UK to be awarded a Michelin star, is now looking at the venue to complement his burgeoning number of restaurants.
The former head chef of the Oberoi in New Delhi runs the Tamarind in London, for which he was awarded a Michelin star in 2001, and has recently opened a number of restaurants in the South East.
Mr Kochhar’s assistant didn’t deny the rumours, telling the Times: “Whilst Atul has looked at a number of properties, there is nothing confirmed.”
It is understood a number of other businesses are also interested in the former Woods restaurant, along with several other empty units in The Pantiles including Rosemary Shrager’s Cooking School, which operated out of the old Corn Exchange, and the former unit occupied by retailer Jack Wills.
Targetfollow, which manages The Pantiles, says the famous promenade is going through an ‘exciting period of change.’
Paul Burnett, Associate Director, said: “We are currently receiving an unprecedented number of enquiries from new and established businesses wishing to locate themselves at The Pantiles, with interest in all vacant units.”
He added: “2020 looks set to be a promising year.”
