Thomas Maynard to oversee Bar 44's Bristol expansion

Thomas Maynard will be overseeing Bar 44's new Bristol site as head chef when it opens this August.

Maynard will be moving from his role as head chef of the group's biggest site, Bar 44 in Cardiff, with Ian Wood taking his place. Maynard previously worked at the Hardwick in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire under Stephen Terry, and at London restaurants Scott's and J Sheekey.

"Tom is exceptional, really strong on fish and seafood," said Owen Morgan, co-founder of the group. "He has a really light touch and creates great flavours… He can't wait to develop the new menu for Bristol and identify what our new community will want from their dining experience."

The new Bristol site in Clifton Village will be the first venue outside of Wales for the Welsh restaurant and bar group. It will offer a similar take on Spanish dining to the family-owned group's three other sites in Cardiff, Cowbridge and Penarth.

Ahead of the opening, the group has launched a major recruitment drive across its five tapas bars and restaurants with 30 roles available for chefs, front of house and cocktail bar staff.

Siblings Tom, Owen and Natalie Morgan established the first Bar 44 16 years ago in Cowbridge. The group also runs Asador 44 in Cardiff.

Bar 44 expands outside Wales to Bristol >>

Bar 44 to open third site >>

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