Celebrity chef proves good for business (From Free Press Series)

Celebrity chef proves good for business

BUSINESS is booming at a famous Monmouthshire restaurant after it featured in a reality TV programme its owners had feared would kipper it.

The owners of the Walnut Tree Inn in Llandewi Skirrid admit since the eatery appeared on Channel Four's series, Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares, they have been busier than ever.

Francesco and Enrica Mattioli were originally worried the TV show would misrepresent them.

But Mrs Mattioli said: "Last Wednesday, after the show was shown on TV, we were so busy that even I had to help in the restaurant - and I'm normally confined to doing the books.

"Bookings are now up by about 30 percent."

Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares was billed by its producers as an insight into the inimitable chef as he turned around struggling restaurants.

After seeing trailers for the show, Mr and Mrs Mattioli were worried about how their restaurant would be portrayed.

Speaking two weeks ago, before the show was aired, Mrs Mattioli said she wished they had never taken part.

She said: "When we signed the contract the programme didn't have a title - we would never have done it if we had known it was called Kitchen Nightmares."

But the couple's worst fears were not realised as their establishment came off much better than the others featured in the series - and they have the bookings to prove it.

The Walnut Tree Inn has suffered a series of blows in recent times, losing its head chef and its Michelin star.

Mr and Mrs Mattioli agreed to do the Channel Four programme so Mr Ramsay could help them find a suitable head chef.

With Ramsay's help the Mattioli's appointed Spencer Ralph.