PLANS for one of Cornwall's highest-profile chefs to open a restaurant on Truro's iconic paddle-steamer have been sunk and his company has gone bust, the West Briton can reveal. But the boat's owners, development company Porthia, still hope to see the Compton Castle, moored off Lemon Quay, open as an eatery or shop.

A meeting of creditors of Kevin Viner Ltd is due to be held in Truro tomorrow (November 20). The company has gone into voluntary liquidation.

The chef, owner of top-rated Viners Restaurant in Summercourt announced amid great fanfare in August last year that he and his then new girlfriend Jill Richards planned to open a restaurant on the boat.

Controversy surrounded the move as it emerged he and Miss Richards, previously his waitress, had got together amid splits from their respective spouses.

Mr Viner, 52, was Cornwall's first-ever Michelin-starred chef, was twice voted British chef of the year and was one of the main attractions at the annual Cornwall Food & Drink Festival in Truro, giving television-show style cooking demonstrations.

He opened and operated the Ship's Biscuit food kiosk next to the boat in a bid to raise his profile ahead of the restaurant plan.

Work is continuing on converting the 1914 vessel and Porthia is actively seeking a tenant. It leased the surrounding land, which would be incorporated into any new business, from the former Carrick District Council.

But Porthia managing director David Ellsmore, who was unaware about the creditors' meeting, told the West Briton they had never signed a lease with him.

He added: "We had been approached by Kevin Viner who wanted to set up a restaurant on the Compton Castle.

"There was never a lease agreed, although Kevin was put in a position to take a lease on the boat if terms could be agreed – there was an agreement he could take the lease.
But the terms were never agreed. He is certainly a well-qualified man and it would have been an advantage to have had him in that position, but I knew he had financial problems. As far as I'm concerned, his aim with the Ship's Biscuit was to get his name known on that site for when he would move onto the boat."

The property is being marketed through Truro estate agents Stratton Creber and Mr Ellsmore said he had heard from a few interested parties, adding: "Everyone seems to say we're doing a good job and I think it would be nice to see it open as a shining example on Lemon Quay."

Viners Restaurant continues to trade and it is not known what connection, if any, it has with Kevin Viner Ltd.

Mr Viner was unavailable for comment despite the West Briton making attempts to contact him.