Howard Tillman and Carlo Spetale’s First Restaurant Group has completed the acquisition of restaurateur Tom Etridge’s Frandek; a group of 3 high profile London gastropubs comprising The Ebury in Pimlico, The Running Horse in Mayfair and The Waterway in Maida Vale.

Tillman, owner of fashion brand Jaegar, and restaurateur Spetale bought West London’s Notting Hill Brasserie in 2004, and expanded their holdings with the rescue of Mayfair’s Taman Gang restaurant from administration last year. The strategic acquisition of Frandek is in line with the pair’s ambition to create a robust group of restaurants and bars.

Coffer Corporate Leisure advised on the deal. David Abramson, who handled the negotiations, said “This is a great acquisition for Carlo and Harold and firmly establishes the pair as substantial players in the sector. We are committed to finding more opportunities to expand the business further.”