THE owner of one of Chester's most popular restaurants has responded to speculation that they may be looking to sell up after a 'for sale' sign appeared above the building.

Chef Gary Usher, who has recently opened a seventh Elite Bistros venue in the shape of The White Horse in Churton, addressed questions around Sticky Walnut in Hoole via Twitter this morning (Wednesday, March 22), whilst expressing his pride and commitment to what was the first restaurant in the company's portfolio.

Mr Usher said: "I signed a fifteen-year lease on Sticky, another one, a few years ago so the only person getting me out of Sticky is an undertaker. I am in Sticky to stay.

"Sticky is my first restaurant, it's what the whole restaurant group is built around. I call it the godfather of neighbourhood bistros, it's won so many awards and I'm so proud of it and so is everybody who works there."

The restaurateur went on to explain that the 'for sale' sign in fact relates to the space above Sticky Walnut and is not related to the restaurant in any way. Mr Usher said that the building's landlord had decided to sell off some of their properties and that the recent purchase of The White Horse pub had meant that Elite Bistros were not in a position to buy this remaining space.

He continues: "We love Sticky Walnut, we're not going from Sticky Walnut. Ignore the 'for sale' sign, it means nothing. Please come and see us, we're better than we've ever been there."

Mr Usher followed the video with a Tweet expressing his disappointment at the placement of the sign, saying that it could knock people's confidence in the business.