Basset merger creates fine dining powerhouse

Gerard Basset MS MW and his wife Nina are to merge their New Forest hotel TerraVina with the 10in8 restaurant group.

The move is designed to boost expansion plans for 10in8’s collection, as well as develop The Fine Dining Academy and create a “world class” cookery and wine school.

With a portfolio including La Bécasse, L’Ortolan, Paris House and The Angel, 10in8 was founded by Michelin-starred chef Alan Murchison, a longstanding friend of Basset

The move will see Nina Basset become managing director of the group with Gerard Basset and Murchison taking charge of wine and food operations respectively. Richard Pursey will remain in his role as chairman.

Commenting on the strength offered by this new set up, Nina Basset remarked: “This merger will open up many great opportunities for the talented teams that already exist in both businesses. They will play such an important role in the development of the group and we are delighted for them as well as for us.”

In addition, she pointed out: “We have already worked with 10in8 informally on a couple of joint projects and it was clear that the mix of Gerard’s wine skills when combined with Alan’s culinary expertise created a potent mix of talent that in our opinion is unsurpassed in the world of hotel management and fine dining.”

The merger will allow each company to retain its original name and style, with each side taking on shares in the other’s business.