Tourrettes' "Mr Wayne"

Written by Mike Meade

As with their previous stomping grounds in Vieux Nice, Wayne Barratt (photo) and his French wife Cecile have made a mark on their adopted village. Wayne picks his locations well. Near the Cours Saleya in Nice was a natural target for his bar-restaurant serving a young clientele and now their Relais des Coches, with views across to the village, is also just right for a gourmet restaurant.

"But we didn't find Tourrettes. It was Tourrettes that found us," Wayne insisted as we downed a glass of ros� on the attractive terrace. The village is a continuation of their Riviera story. "We wanted a calmer life than we had in Nice and we had thought about converting a village restaurant to our own taste and ideas. This place was run down but had endless potential so we signed on the dotted line and got on with it in 2002."

The calmer life didn't quite turn out that way. Wayne is energetic and ambitious by nature so he works tirelessly to improve and promote his businesses, even in the relative tranquillity of the back country. He originally arrived on the Riviera in 1987, met Cecile here and after running a burger bar, set up "Chez Wayne" in 1991. It was an overnight success and Wayne quickly became a recognised name around town. To the point that he was soon managing the city's Fete de la Musique arrangements.

"Music is essential to me. It's what I do and I'm enthusiastic about it," he states matter-of-factly. After setting up the Relais des Coches in Tourrettes his musical tendencies led him to an add-on venture that has since taken on a life of its own. "La Cave" in the vaulted cellar under the restaurant offers a fixed menu and live music total experience every Friday and Saturday evening.

The Relais des Coches serves creative, refined cuisine in an engaging atmosphere. It's friendly and chic, but not overly formal. The setting is delightful -- surrounded by greenery with a lovely vista towards the old village. There is an excellent set menu but single dishes are also available. The wine list is carefully chosen and refreshing. The restaurant is open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays and La Cave is open Friday and Saturday evenings. There's plenty of parking across the street.

In all, Wayne employs 8 people in Tourrettes and is active in the "Atou" local business association that promotes the village to visitors. The locals call him "Mister Wayne" with undisguised affection and respect for this "anglais" who is also a local success story. You could do worse than see it first hand.

From Riviera Reporter issue 123, Oct/Nov 2007