Woodspeen owner to open two new restaurants

WSH Restaurants has revealed plans to open two new sites in Bray, Berkshire and London’s Fitzrovia.

The Braywood, which is currently under construction, will take over the site of the former Michelin-starred gastropub, the Royal Oak in Bray.

It is due to open in November as a 70-cover restaurant and cocktail bar offering a contemporary twist on the signature dishes of sister site the Woodspeen in Newbury, which held a Michelin star between 2015 and 2023.  

Head chef Sam Brennan, who was previously based at the Woodspeen, will lead the kitchen at the Braywood.

Brennan said: “We’re creating something truly exceptional here. We have this extraordinary contemporary space that will beautifully complement our diverse, seasonal menu."

WSH Restaurants also announced it will expand into London’s Fitzrovia, with an opening planned for later this year.

Alessandro Fasoli, managing director of WSH Restaurants (pictured), said: “The Woodspeen – the first in the WSH Restaurants stable – celebrates 10 years this year, and it’s been my privilege to be at the heart of it from the start and to grow the group.

“As we continue to see growth across our restaurants, we are thrilled to be able to create internal opportunities for the talent we’re nurturing, and for new candidates too.

"We are very proud of our reputation for impeccable training and standards and it has been a pleasure to watch and support flourishing careers over the last 10 years.”

WSH Restaurants opened the Woodspeen in Newbury in 2014 before launching the Clockspire in Somerset, the Sparsholt in Oxfordshire, and the Boxford in Berskhire, which opened in August last year.

WSH is also the parent company of hospitality brands including Benugo, Searcys, BaxterStorey and Holroyd Howe.