Spanish chef José Pizarro takes over Surrey pub from Claude Bosi
José Pizarro is taking over The Swan Inn in Esher, Surrey, which has been run by Bibendum chef Claude Bosi for the past three years. After a two-week closure in February, Pizarro will relaunch the site as a Spanish-influenced pub in March, offering tapas dishes and an à la carte menu of classic pub dishes and signature regional Spanish dishes. The Spanish chef also owns three restaurants in London – José Pizarro in the City and José Tapas Bar and Pizarro, both in Bermondsey.
Devon pub The Treby Arms closes as owners put the property on the market
The Treby Arms has closed its doors and the property has been put on the market. The pub in Sparkwell, Devon, opened in 2011 with Anton Piotrowski as executive head chef but he left in 2017, to be replaced by Luke Fearon who left after 11 months to run pop-up events under the umbrella of the Devon Food Movement. The owners changed the format to a more casual dining offering and ditched the tasting menu. Piotrowski has since gone on to enjoy more success at his Liverpool restaurant, Röski.
Chris Simpson leaves Gidleigh Park after just 12 months as head chef
Chris Simpson has left Gidleigh Park after one year as head chef of the Devon hotel. Simpson joined in January 2018, when he took over from Michael Wignall. Prior to that, he had been head chef at Restaurant Nathan Outlaw in Port Isaac, Cornwall. Chris Simpson said: “It has been a huge honour to head up the kitchen at Gidleigh Park and I couldn’t be prouder of our achievements. I wish everyone at Gidleigh Park the very best in the future – it is a truly special place.” It is not known what Simpson’s next move will be and Gidleigh Park will announce his replacement soon.
Nottingham restaurant Hart’s to downsize and relocate
Nottingham’s Hart’s restaurant is relocating and relaunching as a smaller operation in Hart’s Hotel. The restaurant will downsize to 20-covers and move across the road to owner Tim Hart’s eponymous boutique hotel, reopening in March. Hart, who also owns Hambleton Hall, says the move is due to Nottingham’s apparent reduced appetite for fine dining.
Hind’s Head chef Pete Gray to join forces with Josh Eggleton at The Pony & Trap
Pete Gray of The Hind’s Head in Bray is collaborating with Josh Eggleton and his team at The Pony & Trap near Bristol for a one-off six-course dinner this month. Dishes for the event on January 31 will include duck and guinea fowl ‘chewitt’ (a mini pie) with devils on horseback; halibut, seaweed and oyster, and cherry Bakewell tart with yoghurt ice cream. Tickets for the dinner cost £60 per person and can be booked here.
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