Hatted restaurant collapses into liquidation

Liquidators have been appointed to one-hatted Mornington Peninsula restaurant La Petanque, but the restaurant is continuing to trade.

Philip Newman of PCI Partners has been appointed as liquidator of the restaurant, which was established in 2006 and is situated on a 20-acre property with views over vineyards and olive groves.

The acclaimed restaurant was awarded one chef’s hat in Fairfax’s annual restaurant rankings.

La Petanque Restaurant and its associated homewares store La Petanque Living were both initially placed into liquidation in May and a creditors’ meeting was held last week.

Owner Philippe Marquet told Fairfax he is “solving the problem”, with his wife Judy taking on the role as sole director of the company. “We also have a private investor,” he said.

The collapse of the restaurant follows the high profile administration and closure last year of hatted restaurant Becasse, owned by head chef Justin North and his wife.

Even Gordon Ramsay found the Australian restaurant market tough, with his Melbourne restaurant Maze entering liquidation owing $4.6 million to local suppliers.

SmartCompany contacted Marquet and PCI Partners but did not receive a response prior to publication.