Nick Munier’s new Dublin restaurant granted licence

MasterChef and Hell's Kitchen star Nick Munier is ready to open his new Dublin restaurant in Temple Bar, a court was told.

Circuit Court president Mr Justice Raymond Groarke today granted the restaurant, named Avenue, of 1/1A Crowe Street, a special restaurant licence.

Barrister Dorothy Collins said renovations and refurbishment work had been completed and the restaurant would be ready to open next Monday.

Ms Collins told the Circuit Civil Court the restaurant had been developed in accordance with planning permission and was suitable to be licensed.

She said the premises comprised of a casual dining restaurant on the ground floor, called Munier. On the first floor another restaurant, Éclair de Luxe, will offer an all-day casual dining menu in custom made and designed “train booths”.

The court heard the premises also included a basement with a cocktail bar which had been devised in collaboration with renowned mixologist Peter O’Connor.

Munier told the judge he was no longer operating his former restaurant, Pichet. The judge granted the certificate.

The restaurant menu will offer main courses from €21 to €45, featuring grilled lobster, seared hake fillet, poached cod, grilled côte de boeuf and duck breast.

A selection of popular craft and all-time favourite beers will be available on a first-floor bar, housed within Éclair de Luxe. The first floor will also play host to a list of top Irish and international DJs.

The restaurant, which states on its menu that its mission is to bring the best food, beverages and service in a fun, relaxed and unintimidating setting, will work with some of the country's finest suppliers, including master butcher Rick Higgins of Higgins Butchers.