Restaurant which sells £180 gold leaf covered steaks wins battle to double in size

A restaurant selling £180 steaks wrapped in 24 carat gold leaf has won a long-running planning battle to more than double its capacity. Bolton Council originally rejected an application by Beefalo Meat House, Blackburn Road, Bolton to increase capacity from 90 to 225 people.

However, after the restaurant’s owners applealed, the planning inspectorate have overturned that decision. In 2022, 113 residents lodged objections to the move citing health and safety concerns, noise at night and parking issues.

Bolton’s planning committee later turned down the application. The restaurant was forced to close in March 2023, after a major fire extensively damaged the roof, only reopening in November after lengthy repairs and renovation.

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Beefalo offers a variety of meat, seafood and vegetable dishes but it’s ‘gold cuts’ section of menu sets it apart from most. A ‘golden burger’ is listed as costing £50 while a 24 carat gold leaf covered one kilo ‘golden’ tomahawk steak will set diners back £180.

The swanky restaurant opened in 2021 opposite Asda and is run by chef Yuce, who previously launched Macello Meathouse and Kassap Meathouse in Liverpool. The Bolton outlet’s website states: “They have attracted many celebrities and become a regular spot for many Liverpool FC players. Now, chef Yuce is bringing his famous steak dishes with his own technique to Bolton, with a new brand, Beefalo Meat House.”

The restaurant is on the corner of Blackburn Road and Newnham Street within the Astley Bridge shopping area. To the rear of the appeal site is St Paul’s church and school and a nursery.

The planning inspectorate appeal decision was published earlier this month.

Inspector K Townend, said: