In The Beginning
‘Le Cochonnet’ started trading back in July 1985. Peter Colman had owned the building for some time and had run a successful design partnership from it back in the mid-seventies, but when the business outgrew the premises in 1980, he decided to develop it into a Wine Bar. Back then it was a relatively new trend well before Gastro, Theme Pubs and Sports bars.
The Piglet Is Born
Early in 1985 Peter decided to revive the project and began to look for a suitable partner to help restart it. He was introduced by old friend Paul Oughton to Graham Thomson who had managed the famous Cork and Bottle for Kiwi Don Hewitson and was then looking for a new opportunity.
Thus ‘Le Cochonnet’ – ‘the piglet’ was born – the theme was French bistrot bar, and after a lot of hard work, the bar and restaurant was finally opened – just before the permission expiry – in July 1985, just when Live Aid was to change the course of global charity concerts forever. The opening party has become legendary with hundreds of guests, both friends and old customers of Peters and Graham’s and of course a number of bemused locals who were eager to see what the fuss was all about.
Italian Influence & The Best Pizzas In London
After much time spent in Italy especially Rome, Peter wanted to try and replicate real Italian quality Pizzas. In 1994 Cochonnet “Gourmet Pizzas” were introduced to much critical acclaim. It helped the company trade out of the recession then, and as is as popular today as ever. So much so that the “Cosh” is often mistakenly thought of as just a Pizzeria!
