New Berkshire pub restaurant for ex-Tom Aikens chef
Chef Dom Robinson has taken over The Blackbird country pub in Bagnor, near Newbury. It’s the first solo venture for the chef, who previously worked for Tom Aikens, Anthony Demetre and Adam Byatt. His approach to the menu is ‘back to basics’, ingredient-led seasonal dishes using local produce and classical techniques. Dishes include ravioli of Kennet crayfish with buttered leeks and Lydney Park wild boar with choucroute and russet apple. www.theblackbird.co.uk
New opening for owners of Gunpowder
The owners of Gunpowder and sister venue Madame D are launching a new London restaurant in spring 2018. Gunpowder Market will open in the One Tower Bridge development and it will be the group’s first operation outside the East End. Gunpowder Market will serve home-style Indian dishes with takeaway options like Goan sausage rolls and mutton sandwiches and also have its own bakery. www.gunpowderlondon.com
Second opening for 108 Garage founders
Chris Denney and Luca Longobardi of 108 Garage in Notting Hill have opened their second restaurant just around the corner. Southam Street on Golborne Road is set over three floors with grill restaurant, raw bar and Champagne bar. Chef Denney previously worked under Nuno Mendes at Viajante and with Philip Howard at The Square. www.southamstreet.com
High profile new kitchen team at The Wild Rabbit
The Wild Rabbit at Kingham has a high profile new team in place after the departure of head chef Tim Allen. The Oxfordshire pub has announced that Alyn Williams and Nathan Eades are joining forces in the kitchen. Eades will leave Simpsons in Birmingham at the end of the year and Williams will take on the role of chef-patron at The Wild Rabbit in May, but also remain chef-patron at his eponymous restaurant at The Westbury hotel in Mayfair. www.thewildrabbit.co.uk
Palomar and Barbary owners to take over Chinatown pub
The owners of London restaurants The Palomar and The Barbary have confirmed that they are taking over a pub in Chinatown. The Blue Posts on Rupert Street will remain as a pub with a cocktail bar and basement dining room serving modern European food. The Barbary’s executive chef, Nacho Pinilla, will oversee the food at the 11-cover Evelyn’s Table. www.thepalomar.co.uk
Temporary closure for Gravetye Manor as it prepares to launch new restaurant
Gravetye Manor will close on 2 January for four months to develop a new space for the hotel’s restaurant. Reopening in May 2018, the new look restaurant, under head chef George Blogg, is being designed by architect Sir Charles Knowles, in collaboration with interior designer Claire Nelson (The Ledbury and Elystan Street) and will link the beautiful Grade II listed gardens with the dining space. www.gravetyemanor.co.uk
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