NUMBER Nine restaurant has been sold and a lounge bar could reopen in its place.

The lease for the North Hill restaurant, which boasted Michelin Star ambitions, has been sold by owner Tony Cole to an unnamed bidder.

The businessman said his operating company, Reckin, did not owe any outstanding debt.

He also remained tight-lipped on the future of the premesis but said it would be renamed and could open within a matter of weeks.

Exclusive interview with Mr Cole in Wednesday's Gazette.