Modern Diner to launch first restaurant in Exeter

Modern Diners Ltd is to launch its first restaurant, RUBY, in Exeter after securing the lease of a central city location.

The freehold of the Grade II Listed property at 74 Queen Street was sold to its current owners in early 2012 and Christie + Co, which completed the sale, was recently appointed to find a lessee.

The agent said there had been "much interest" for the property, which has a sub-divided basement area and an open-plan ground floor with a mezzanine level. The site formerly traded as a delicatessen and licensed restaurant.

Erin Allgrove, director of Modern Diner, said: "We are proud to bring the building back to life and give it the care and attention that it deserves. We are excited to bring a fresh approach to fast food in Exeter.

"The Modern Diner concept combines the heritage of the American diner with the best produce the region has to offer."

Jon Clyne, associate director at Christie + Co's Exeter office, added: "With the property's prominent position and its various potential uses, including A1 and A3, we received a lot of interest.

"We received several credible proposals and the property was let with RUBY, Modern Diner's flagship restaurant, given preferred bidder status. The restaurant will open in early 2013, breathing fresh life into 74 Queen Street."