Stately home owner to launch steakhouse following closure of favourite Italian restaurant

The proprietor of a 500-acre estate in Somerset is to open a provenance-led steakhouse after his favourite Italian restaurant shut down.

La Bisalta was an authentic family-run eatery in nearby Frome. It permanently closed its doors in November 2019 when husband and wife team Luigi and Susan Violino retired after 29 years in business.

Chris Vincent, the owner of Orchardleigh Estate, which operates a wedding venue business within Orchardleigh House and Elmhay Park, will open the Peacock Steakhouse with the grounds. He said: “Although we’d pondered opening a restaurant on the estate for some time, we decided to bring forward the endeavour following the closure of La Bisalta in Frome. My wife Heather and I were regulars of the restaurant, and it was with great sadness that we saw it shut its doors for good upon the retirement of its owners, Luigi and Susan.

“While not wanting to attempt to recreate La Bisalta’s unique approach, we wanted to create a restaurant offering that tapped into the type of cuisine we ourselves value and appreciate. We’re sure there are many others in the local area who are already missing La Bisalta’s offering, so we’re hoping to entice them out to Orchardleigh to enjoy the approach in our own restaurant.”

The Peacock Steakhouse is rooted in sustainable practices and will specialise in steak from the estate's Aberdeen Angus beef and home-grown produce with additional ingredients sourced from nearby suppliers. It will offer formal and casual dishes, as well as vegetarian and gluten free options. Guests will be able to dine on the terrace that overlooks the estate grounds and golf course.

Vincent added: “Being a working estate, we’re in a fantastic position to create something that uses the best of our produce and, indeed, the best that Somerset has to offer, rooting our cuisine in the provenance of the region. It’s a very exciting time, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new diners to the Peacock Steakhouse.”

The family owned Orchardleigh Estate comprises Orchardleigh House, a 19th century stately home, and Elmhay Park, which comprises an Italian Garden and Orangery for wedding ceremonies.