Mezze, the fast-growing Bristol bar and restaurant chain, has officially opened its sixth venue –The White Lion in Portishead – with a little help from Bristol-born Olympic gymnast Imogen Cairns.
Imogen, who represented Great Britain at the Beijing and London Olympics and has won three Commonwealth Games gold medals, was joined by Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliott, former city striker Scott Murrayand Mezze's directors to cut the ribbon at the launch party.
Mezze described at The White Lion as the jewel in the crown of its group of bar/restaurants following a £1.6m makeover at the historic inn, which dates back to 1018.
Originally a tide mill – the waters of the Bristol Channel used to reach up as far as the mill providing a mooring point for boats – it has been derelict since 2010 awaiting a new lease of life.
Mezze has given the venue a complete revamp, creating a heated roof-top terrace, sunken Mediterranean gardens, a cocktail bar, Mezze restaurant and a la carte restaurant.
Mezze directors Alex Tryfonos said: “Our aim is to revive old community pubs and create stylish venues which help to raise the profile of the areas in which we locate.
“The 1,000-year-old White Lion building had seen better days but after careful restoration we have created a venue which Portishead can be proud of for many years to come.”
Mezze opened its first restaurant, Mezze at the Royal George in Thornbury, in 2008. It has since added The Green Dragon in Downend, The Warwick Arms in Clutton, The Ship & Castle in Congresbury, The Anchor, Ham Green, and the White Lion.
Pictured at the Mezze White Lion opening are, from left, Scott Murray, Mezze directors James Brown, Alex Tryfonos and Jacob Mundez, Imogen Cairns and Marvin Elliott
