Bancone picks Paris over the UK regions for its next leap

London pasta group Bancone will open two company-owned restaurants in Paris next year, Restaurant Online reports. The first is due in Le Marais next summer, with a second site later in 2027. Co-founder David Ramsey said both leases are already signed.

Why Paris, not the regions Ramsey told Restaurant he is more confident Bancone will work in Paris than in Leeds, Bristol or Manchester. He speaks French, previously worked in the city and lives in France for part of the year. Paris is also quicker to reach from London than many UK regional cities, he said.

The London build-out behind it - Six sites already, after City and Bancone Bloomsbury (140 indoor covers plus a 60-cover terrace) opened this year - A seventh due late this year in the former Debenhams building on Oxford Street - Those three large openings will double the business by covers

Ramsey is also lining up a wet-led pub and bar on Old Compton Street, and The Hero's Return at Battersea Power Station is still due before year-end.

What it means for groups: international expansion can be a clearer bet than a first regional city when the founding team knows the market. Model the cover growth from large London sites separately from overseas risk, and be honest about which cities you actually understand.