Eggleton's Chicken Shed closes to make way for vegetable-led restaurant Root

The Eggleton family has closed Chicken Shed in Bristol's Wapping Wharf and replaced it with a vegetable-led eatery called Root.

Chicken Shed opened under the Eat Drink Bristol Fashion brand, co-founded by Josh Eggleton, last year. The restaurant had an ethos of only serving organic and free-range chicken which presented a number of challenges.

Speaking to The Caterer earlier this year, Josh said: "First off, we struggled with staffing at Chicken Shed because people get bored of frying food. Also trying to get the product right at Chicken Shed was difficult because we wanted to be fully organic but it was costing us a fortune!

"In the end we realised that organic chicken does not make good fried chicken. After experimenting with organic crowns and free range pieces, we started to use free range chicken from a farm in Somerset. However, this countered the initial concept of an organic, guilt-free chicken shop."

Headed by chef Rob Howell, Root will focus on vegetable-led dishes, serving a small range of meat and fish dishes on the side. Meg Oakley and Domhnaill Barnes will run front of house.

Dishes include Gruyère cheese and onion croquette; house Scotch egg with mushroom and lentil; barley risotto with parsley and crispy onions; and cider rarebit with sauerkraut.

Meat and seafood is available in side dishes such as chargrilled pork neck; barbecued ox heart; razor clams; and oysters.

Howell said: "Having spent four years at the Pony & Trap, launching and running a restaurant has long been the goal and I can't wait to get going with Domhnaill and Meg at Root. Recently, I've spent some time doing stages in Denmark, in London at Elystan Street and Outlaw's at the Capital, and at Bristol's Casamia with Peter Sanchez-Iglesias.

"Veg small plates will be at the heart of Root's menu but we'll still be using amazing fish and meat from the region to create interesting side dishes. In addition, they'll be an extensive wine list incorporating natural and biodynamic wines that will bring out the best in the food. All in all, we're confident that it's going to be a fun place to visit that will add to Bristol's vibrant food scene which is now getting international recognition."

Root is being backed by the Sustainable Restaurant Association. Root aims to help raise awareness of the environmental benefits of eating more veg and encourage diners to consider the numerous health benefits which are attributed to eating less meat.

Eat Drink Bristol Fashion was founded by Michelin-starred Pony and Trap chef Josh Eggleton and local organic farmer Luke Hasell. It started as a food festival in 2011 held in Queen Square, Bristol. The brand now operates two permanent sites - Yurt Lush in Clocktower Yard, Temple Meads and Root.

Meet the Eggleton family, owners of the Pony & Trap >>

Josh Eggleton to open second Salt & Malt in Bristol >>

Josh Eggleton and Guy Newell buy Bristol pub >>

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