Response to Press Speculation

City Centre Restaurants PLC
12 November 2003



                  City Centre Restaurants Plc ('City Centre')

                        Ask Central Plc ('Ask Central')



                         Response to press speculation



The Boards of City Centre and Ask Central note the recent press speculation and
confirm that they have entered into preliminary discussions regarding a merger
of the two businesses.



It is envisaged that any merger proposal would take the form of a recommended
offer to Ask Central shareholders at a premium to the current share price funded
by a mixture of City Centre shares and cash and subject to the normal due
diligence process.



The Boards believe that a merger of the two businesses would be an exciting
opportunity for both sets of shareholders and believe, in particular, that the
enlarged group would enjoy the following merger benefits:



>    An enlarged and stronger management team blending industry experience with
     entrepreneurial flair;

>    Enhanced growth prospects across a broad portfolio of proven brands;

>    Greater flexibility across the combined group for re-branding and
     restructuring sites, where beneficial;

>    It is envisaged that the Board will comprise representation from both
     companies;

>    Three of the strongest restaurant concepts in the market (ASK, Frankie &
     Benny's and Zizzi) with excellent future roll out potential;

>    A leading position in the UK casual dining market;



Discussions are at an early stage and subject to normal pre-offer processes and
there can be no certainty that agreement will be reached.



A further announcement will be made as appropriate.



                                                                12 November 2003



Enquiries:


City Centre plc                                             Tel:  [phone]
Alan Jackson, Executive Chairman

Ask Central plc                                             Tel:  [phone]
Adam Kaye, Chief Executive

Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein (CCR)                        Tel: [phone]
Charlie Batten, Managing Director


Evolution Beeson Gregory  (ASK)                             Tel: [phone]
Tom Price, Director

College Hill                                                Tel:  [phone]
Matthew Smallwood/Justine Warren






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