Restaurant told to ‘tone it down’

27th August 2008, 11:25am

Two Wigan councillors have told Whitbread-owned Taybarns in Marus Bridge to re-paint its exterior after they complained it was too bright.

The councillors would like a more traditional colour to be chosen as they fear the orange restaurant may put people off visiting Wigan.

Taybarns is an American-style all you can eat buffet restaurant and the Wigan branch is one of 12 nationwide.

Speaking to local paper the Wigan Evening Post, Cllr Wilkes Jnr said: "It looks like somewhere Tinky Winky would live. This is a very important way into Wigan for thousands of people. If you are coming for the first time you could end up thinking that is what our borough is all about. I have been to America and I love the place, but I don't want to see their tastes in buildings here and in such an important location."

"Perhaps it would be appropriate in Teletubby land or even in the States but I will not support a building that appears to have been attacked by the Tango man."

The food and drink company Whitbread will now have to apply for planning permission for the alterations to the cladding, and a single storey extension at the back. It will be considered at a meeting in October.

A spokesman for Taybarns owners Whitbread said: "Wigan local authority has contacted us advising that concerns have been raised in relation to the external colour of Taybarns Wigan. There are a number of Taybarns restaurants across the UK in the brand colour orange; these have been well received prior to the opening of Taybarns Wigan. Our planning consultants are working with the authorities to find an acceptable solution for all."

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