Sexy Savoy by Le Raaj opening in former Novo Morpeth site
‘Sexy Savoy by Le Raaj’ plans to open in Morpeth, Northumberland this Spring and be the market town’s “finest Indian”.
But the name of the venue, run by Sedgefield and Chester-le-Street based Le Raaj, has drawn opposition from the Town Council, which has branded it “unsavoury”.
Images from a planning application of how the signage will look, (Image: PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING)
The local council has called for the word “sexy” to be stripped from its name.
The eatery is set to open where Geordie Shore star Greg Lake ran his plush Novo restaurant but was forced to close in 2023 after going bust.
Plans for new signs which have the words “Sexy Savoy” in big letters were submitted to Northumberland County Council last month.
Commenting on a planning application on Valentines Day the Town Council said: “Morpeth Town Council has no problem with the style of the signage proposed.
(Image: PYRAMID ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING)
“However, we do object to the name of the proposed restaurant, ‘Sexy Savoy by Le Raaj’, which we believe makes it sound unsavoury and is more suited to a strip club or similar establishment.
“It is not at all appropriate or in character with a historic market town and a restaurant in our Conservation Area, visible from the bus station and to many school children on their way to school.
“We wish to support all new business in our town and therefore respectfully request that the word ‘sexy’ is removed from the restaurant name.”
Read next:
Click here to join our WhatsApp community and get breaking news updates direct to your phone.
Greg Lake on Geordie Shore. (Image: MTV)
The planning application, for five illuminated signs and a lit-up menu box, is currently open for public consultation.
Novo closed in 2023 with Lake’s firm G&L (Morpeth) Ltd going into liquidation with debts of more than £360k.
Greg appeared on the first series of the MTV reality show set in Newcastle and later had a child with Hollyoaks actress Jennifer Metcalfe, but the pair split in 2020.