Dan Fletcher named head chef of ex-Soho House director's Somerset restaurant

Dan Fletcher has been appointed head chef of 28 Market Place, the new Somerset restaurant from ex-Soho House director Ben Crofton.

Fletcher, previously head chef of Fenchurch in London's Sky Garden, will be serving a modern British-European menu utilising produce from the surrounding countryside.

He said: "I've really enjoyed the last few years in London, it's got such a great food scene and I've developed creatively in a way I couldn't have anywhere else. It would have taken a lot to pull me away, but as soon as I met Ben and [his wife] Vanessa, I knew that 28 Market Place was the perfect next step for me.

"Working with fresh, local produce has always been key to my food philosophy, and this aligns so well with what they are looking to achieve and the space they're building. Somerton is such a beautiful location, with the on-site bakery, and access to great produce from the surrounding farmers it is so exciting for me as a chef and I can't wait to get stuck in."

Crofton added: "We're really excited that Dan is joining our team and taking the helm of the kitchen at 28 Market Place. Vanessa and I now live in Somerset, and this project is really close to our hearts, so we wanted to make sure whichever chef we chose would be able to bring great local produce to the forefront of everything we do at the restaurant.

"As soon as we met Dan we knew he was the ideal choice. He's so passionate about letting the ingredients sing and is so creative in his execution of the dishes he produces. With his extensive Michelin experience and precision in his cooking, I know he's going to make a real impact when we open the doors at 28 Market Place later in the year."

Fletcher has previously worked under Tom Kitchin, at the Kitchin in Edinburgh and Tommy Banks at the Black Swan in Oldstead. He reached the final of BBC Two's Great British Menu in 2018.

Crofton is set to open 28 Market Place, Market Bakery and Somerton Wines, with his wife Vanessa in a group of Grade II*-listed buildings which are currently undergoing a major restoration and renovation. It will be the pair's first solo venture.

Local entrepreneur, Adam Norris of Glastonbury-based Horatio Investments, is funding the project.

Market Bakery next door will supply the restaurant with pasta and bread as well as a range of pastries, cakes and cookies and a gelateria. Somerton Wines will offer 150 wines not on the restaurant list.

Former Soho House director to open Somerset restaurant>>