As balmy weather and spring blossom brightens up green spaces across the country, we’ve started to take note of an emerging trend. More and more restaurants seem to be opening in the middle of secluded kitchen gardens (Ethicurean, Pythouse Kitchen Garden), nurseries and garden centres (Moss & Moor, Paradise Café), even working flower farms (West End Flower Farm).
After spending five years establishing his farm near Saltash in south east Cornwall, Dan Cox is edging closer to opening to customers.
Last year, after 20 years in business, L’Enclume was crowned Britain’s Most Exciting Restaurant of 2022 by The Good Food Guide. Simon Rogan’s mothership has frequently occupied the number one spot over the years, and while it impressed on inspection, a triumphant factor that sent it straight to the top of the Guide was the engine behind the restaurant: Our Farm.
Originally conceived as a workers’ canteen for Sir Richard Rogers’ architectural practice next door, The River Café (now in its fourth decade) has gone on to achieve international stardom as a glowing tribute to Italian regional cooking. Diligent sourcing and vigorous rustic flavours are at the heart of Ruth Rogers’ kitchen, with seasonal salads, silky homemade pastas and wood-roasted specialities headlining the daily menus.
After a successful series of supper clubs and events, the chef Tunde Abifarin has announced his modern, 'pan-African' pop-up concept Farin Road will take up permanent residence at the independent Tani Modi cafe in Edinburgh next month.
