Popular French restaurant Côte Brasserie is set to reopen next week, following a "major redesign".

A VIP champagne party will take place next Thursday night (March 21) before the High Street eatery officially reopens the following day.

The restaurant has been closed since mid-January, with a refurbishment taking place to provide "more comfort" in a "modern" design.

As with many of the chain's branches, including Welwyn Garden City, the restaurant has been rebranded to simply 'Côte'. A "stunning new look" has also been promised.

Herts Advertiser: The exterior of Côte Brasserie, St Albans.The exterior of Côte Brasserie, St Albans. (Image: Google Maps)

Extra space has been introduced around tables, allowing more room to mingle. Warm lights, plants, mirrors and a brand-new bar have also been installed.

The branch will allow seating for 140 guests, and follows recent refurbishments in Bristol and Kingston, with more to follow in 2024.

Newly appointed general manager, Ioana Decu, said: "We’ve kept the heart of Côte and given it a makeover to make the French art of gathering together around the table an every day reality.

Herts Advertiser: A stunning new look has been promised.A stunning new look has been promised. (Image: Egg Media / Côte Brasserie)

"The restaurant is fresh and modern with more room, more comfort and more reasons to linger.

"The new bar is an exciting one for us, our new cocktail range not only means more choice but amazing French classics and more occasions for guests to come and see us.

"We can’t wait to welcome the community back and see them laughing, chatting and connecting whilst raising a glass.

Herts Advertiser: The restaurant has been rebranded to simply 'Côte'.The restaurant has been rebranded to simply 'Côte'. (Image: Egg Media / Côte Brasserie)

"Sharing those moments is so much more than just eating and drinking.”

A new menu has also been designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef, Steve Allen.

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Steve has worked at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Petrus and opened Gordon Ramsay at Claridges which won a Michelin star within its first year.

The chef added: "I have been cooking French cuisine since the age of 13 our menu is a reflection of everything I love about French food.

"Our main focus is and always will be about the taste of our food at Côte.  Simple, yet complex and delicious.”