Fast work concludes Lodge deal

Sep 23 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

THE sale of one of the North East’s best known restaurants prompted some speedy work by Newcastle lawyers which saw the deal concluded in less than two weeks.

Millionaire entrepreneur Tom Maxfield’s Fisherman’s Lodge restaurant in Jesmond Dene, Newcastle, which was put for sale for £80,000 in February, is now in the hands of one of the region’s brightest young chefs Alan O’Kane. Mr O’Kane and his business partner, former City financier Jamie Howell were advised by lawyers from Sintons in Newcastle.

Sintons partner Anthony Evans led the firm’s team. He said: "It was great to work with Jamie and Alan in acquiring Fisherman's Lodge. It is a significant acquisition for them as they look to establish a leading group of restaurants in the North East.

“Mark Dobbin, a partner in our commercial property team, dealt with the property aspects on the transaction which, from start to finish took only ten days to complete."

Award-winning Mr O’Kane learnt his trade in London with a spell at The Savoy and made his name at the Angel in Corbridge before cementing his reputation with Sydney’s in Tynemouth, now renamed Brasserie 1883.

He said: “We want to make this a great restaurant again. The service is second to none and the setting is second to none and we are in the process of making the whole offering second to none once more.”

Previous owner Tom Maxfield helped build Sage into a FTSE 100 company before leaving to launch hotel and restaurant business Tom’s Companies.

The Fisherman's Lodge was purchased for an undisclosed sum in line with the terms sought by Tom Maxfield via agents Christies & Co. Dickinson Dees acted on behalf of Tom Maxfield and the Tom Group of Companies.