Wed 4th Jun 2014 - James Horler's La Sala secures first site Spanish upmarket restaurant chain La Sala anounces Essex venue: La Sala, the Spanish restaurant chain hugely popular with celebrities holidaying on the Costa del Sol, has secured its first UK site. The first La Sala in the UK will be a prominent site in Chigwell, Essex, formerly occupied by the White Hart Inn. James Horler, chairman of La Sala UK, said: “I’m really excited about this opportunity, as La Sala is a totally different concept, and the right brand to bring to the UK at this time. The La Sala brand already has international recognition and we’re aiming to transfer this proven formula of atmosphere, quality, exceptional service and value to the UK.” After the huge success of its four Spanish sites, La Sala is aiming to transform the building  in Chigwell to create a dining and entertainment experience with a menu based on its flagship restaurant in Marbella. The UK venture is backed by a host of big names from the world of football, including Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Stephen Carr. Horler, who made his name growing La Tasca restaurants from 16 venues to 74 before selling the chain for £135m in 2007, said: “I’ve already been out to Spain with our design team so that they can embrace the entire La Sala experience and recreate its unique essence here in the UK. We will be looking to roll out a second site within 12 months, with a third to follow, maybe in West London." Horler is also currently chief executive of 3Sixty Restaurants and a non-executive director at Red Hot World Buffet, both of which are backed by Luke Johnson’s Risk Capital Partners.