Ramsay defies bankruptcy threat to expand restaurants to Italy

Global ambition: Gordon Ramsay
12 April 2012

Gordon Ramsay is to open two restaurants in Italy just weeks after admitting his empire nearly collapsed due to over-expansion.

The three Michelin-starred chef is to open a restaurant in Tuscany and dining room and Sardinia next month, despite being told by auditors he was losing millions because of over-ambitions plans overseas.

The 75-bedroom Castel Monastero hotel in Tuscany is 14 miles from Siena in the medieval village of Monastero dell'Ombrone, once home to the Chigi Saracini family of Siena, and has a spa and "wellness" centre.

The hotel will also feature the Cantina Tuscan restaurant, two bars and a tearoom, although it is not clear whether Ramsay will be involved with these.

His second restaurant at Forte Village resort in Sardinia is set within 55 acres of pine forest and subtropical gardens near Cagliari.

Ramsay, 42, said: "We will use the best produce the region has to offer, from its white truffles to its exceptional olive oil."

The additions, take the global number of Gordon Ramsay Holdings restaurants, pubs and bars to 27.

Earlier this month Ramsay revealed he faced bankruptcy after he owed more than £7million to the taxman.

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