Latest openings: Crockers Henley, Flora at Joy, Mercure Bournemouth Queens hotel and more
Crockers Henley
Crockers Henley, a sister dining destination to Crockers Tring from former chef and chief executive Luke Garnsworthy, has opened in a Grade II-listed building in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Like its sister restaurant, Crockers Henley has two 16-cover chef's tables, a bar and grill, and seven bedrooms.
The Thames Table is overseen by 2017 Acorn Award-winner Dean Westcar and serves a seasonal, modern British tasting menu. The Gardiner Table, led by Iain Dixon, formerly head chef at Foxhill Manor, serves a pan-Asian tasting menu. Both offer a seven-course lunch (£45) and 12-course dinner (from £90).
The Grill offers all-day dining and weekend brunch and is led by Tom Westerland, 2018 National Chef of Wales, with a menu that includes steak and seafood roasted over a charcoal grill. The bar, overseen by head mixologist Ryan Osnowski, serves classic and contemporary cocktails and a regularly changing wine list by head of wine Gemma Aldridge.
The Quarters accommodation reflects the Georgian heritage of the building, with super king size beds and roll-top baths.
Opened 1 August
Bedrooms Seven
Design Ali Hearn Interiors
Starting room rate £370 for two for one night, including dinner at one of the chef's tables, a three-course breakfast and two glasses of English sparkling wine on arrival
Website www.crockershenley.co.uk
Flora at Joy
Stevie Parle's former Dock Kitchen site at London Portobello Docks has been transformed into Joy, a pop-up space that includes a flower garden, shops, a bar and an alfresco restaurant called Flora, which will run until at least the end of September.
Covers 70
Typical dishes Clams with butter and peas; red prawns, burned lemon, marjoram; Fosse Meadows chicken stuffed with ricotta and ‘nduja
Website www.joyatportobello.co.uk
Mercure Bournemouth Queens hotel
Bournemouth's Queens hotel has relaunched under Accor's Mercure brand, with a redesign inspired by the 1920s and art deco period. All bedrooms include velvet furnishings and 50-inch smart TVs. The hotel offers an all-day coffee lounge, the Green Room restaurant serving British cuisine, and spa and leisure facilities.
Bedrooms 109
Head of operations Karl Goebel
Website www.mercure.com
The Beacon
The Roseacre Pub Company has relaunched the Beacon hotel in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, following a joint £500,000 upgrade with Heineken's Star Pubs & Bars. The pub, which was due to open in April but was delayed by the Covid-19 outbreak, offers a carvery and a fully enclosed beer garden.
Covers 110 inside; 200 outside
General manager Ian Lowe
Operator Roseacre Pub Company
Website www.beaconhotelburton.co.uk
Butchies
Fried chicken chain Butchies has opened its latest site in London's Clapham, a grab-and-go site and delivery kitchen offering an all-day menu of six different fried chicken sandwiches served in butter-toasted buns. The brand is inspired by similar offerings in New York, and started as a street food concept at festivals.
Owner Garrett FitzGerald
Typical dishes Buttermilk chicken tenders; popcorn chicken; halloumi fries
Website www.butchies.co.uk
The Big Lock
The Big Lock in Middlewich has reopened following a £480,000 refurbishment by Prior Inns North West and Star Pubs & Bars. The canalside pub now features a spacious open-plan bar, snug and dining area with floor-to-ceiling glazed sliding doors, while the menu includes classic pub fare and Sunday roasts.
Covers 60 inside; 80 outside
General manager Rick Brown
Operator Priory Inns North West
Website www.prioryinns.com
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