Chef Dom Robinson to open Berkshire restaurant

Chef Dom Robinson, formerly head chef at Tom Aikens in London, is to launch his own restaurant and pub in Bagnor, near Newbury in Berkshire.

Robinson has taken on the free-of-tie Blackbird pub on Bagnor high street and is set to launch his new venture in October this year. The leashold property is owned by Wellington Pub Company.

The new 46-cover pub, which also has outdoor seating, will focus on flavour and good cooking at a reasonable price, employing Robinson's French techniques and combining them with British produce.

The Blackbird will offer a range of menus, including an à la carte option, special Saturday and Sunday lunch and brunch menus and pre- and post-theatre menus for theatre-goers on the way to the nearby Watermill Theatre.

The chef, who has previously worked as executive chef at Supperclub Dubai, as well as chef/co-owner at Etive Pubs, promises typical dishes including: a starter of venison tartare with Jerusalem artichokes, hazelnuts and truffle; a main of salt marsh lamb rump with courgettes, sea herbs and smoked sardine; and a pot roast game of the day.

Desserts will include dishes such as chocolate and blackberry fondant served with violet milk ice-cream and a rotating selection of British cheeses.

There will also be Scotch eggs made on-site using locally sourced ingredients and a charcuterie trolley.

Robinson said: "I want to go right back to basics and focus on doing everything as perfectly as possible. My cooking's about keeping things simple, focusing on flavour and using the techniques I've learned to get the best out of ingredients. You won't see me messing around with gels or fermenting everything just for the sake of it."

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