WHO'S HOWIE? NEW RESTAURANT PROPOSAL BEGS QUESTION

Planning permission is sought for a large new restaurant at 1 Gayfield Square (Ref. 03/02338/LBC; 03/0337/CLP).

The B-listed premises are currently unoccupied storage, running down most of the street's north side towards the police station. Some 84 tables are proposed for the Class 3 restaurant, with additional settings available in a private dining room. The application envisages some internal changes, refurbishment of doors and alterations to windows.

The developer argues that permission already exists to use the premises as a restaurant since it was granted back in 2004 when the property formed part of an application for 13 Antigua Street. That permission has since been taken up (by Café Marlayne), so in theory a certificate of lawfulness is all that is now required.

The client behind Format Design's plans is one Robert Howie, of whom we know nothing, not even his address. So far as we can tell, there is no connection to David Howie Scott, founder and repurchaser of the Edinburgh and Aberdeen Howies restaurants.

We would prefer the new proprietor to be Robert Howie QC, and for him to wander between tables wearing a gypsy headscarf and singing songs of Bankruptcy & Insolvency Law. Or possibly Shipping Law, depending on our mood and his menu.

Can you suggest a favourite Robert Howie for Broughton's latest restaurant? Tell us by email spurtle@hotmail.co.uk on Facebook Broughton Spurtle or Twitter @theSpurtle

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