Former Dairy head chef to open first solo restaurant

Richard Falk, a former head chef at the Dairy in London, is to open his first solo restaurant, Fork, in Lewes in East Sussex on 1 June.

Falk, who also cooked at the two-Michelin-starred the Ledbury in Notting Hill, will oversee the restaurant in the historic market town.

Fork is described as a modern interpretation of a traditional neighbourhood restaurant with a focus on modern British cuisine.

It will feature a courtyard terrace and garden and an eight-cover bar for walk-ins.

Dishes will include Trenchmore flank, salsa verde and smoked bone marrow on toasted milk bread; warm salad of Namayasai beetroot, chickweed and black garlic; and charcuterie from Hove producers Rebel.

On weekends the menu will bring together classic brunch dishes, Middle Eastern dishes and whole animal butchery. Starters range from £3.50 to £9 with small plates starting at £4 and large at £8.

Falk said: “It’s been a long-held ambition to move out of London with my family and open my own restaurant. Fork will give me a chance to create dishes made from seasonal ingredients from the best growers and producers in East Sussex. “We have had a hugely positive response from the local community. People are now really wanting more places now to eat and drink together. Lewes is also renowned for its tradition of radicalism and independent spirit and this really works well with the ethos of Fork.”