Drake's in Ripley renamed the Clock House
Former Michelin-starred restaurant Drake's in Ripley, Surrey, has changed its name to the Clock House and has been re-awarded three AA rosettes, its owner Serina Drake has confirmed.
Serina, who appointed Fred Clapperton (pictured) as head chef in September following the departure of her former husband, Steve Drake, said that the AA rating had been suspended during the changeover of chefs, but the restaurant had recently rejoined the top 10% of AA rated restaurants in the country.
Explaining her decision to rename the restaurant, Serina said: "Our distinctive Georgian building, set back from the high street in Ripley, has always had the Clock House as part of its address, so it was an obvious choice.
"Last autumn we appointed Fred, a very talented new head chef, who had already been with us for a number of years. He has really stepped up to the plate since his promotion, and his food is receiving rave reviews. Our regular customers have been very supportive and complimentary. The front of house team remains the same, so - apart from our name change - nothing else is different."
Meanwhile, last month, Steve Drake announced that he had taken on a new site in Surrey in Dorking. Sorrel, on the site of Little Dudley House, is due to open this spring.
Fred Clapperton appointed head chef of Drake's >>
Chef Steve Drake acquires site to open new Surrey restaurant >>
Chef proprietor Steve Drake to leave Drake's restaurant >>
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