Chris and Jeff Galvin have announced they are to call their restaurant at St. Botolph’s Hall in Spital Square, Galvin La Chapelle, after a 13th century French chapel they ‘felt a connection’ with.
After visiting the Rhone Valley in southern France, the brothers fell in love with the area, and in particular with the renowned wine produced in the region, Hermitage La Chapelle, of which the new restaurant will stock a range of vintages in collaboration with Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine.
Due to open Galvin La Chapelle this autumn, Chris Galvin revealed how the Rhone Valley had such an impact on their choice of name.
“We had noticed that wines from the Rhone Valley had a particular resonance with our cooking, and on visiting the area we were treated to a bottle of La Chapelle, and a very special tour of the Paul Jaboulet caves,” he said. “We travelled to a small chapel which rests upon the hilltop vineyard of Hermitage, and the whole experience had a big impact on us; the beauty of the Rhone Valley; the heritage of its winemaking tradition and of course the spectacular quality of the wine itself.
“We felt a connection and wanted to bring this to our new restaurant and share it with others.”
Galvin La Chapelle, housed in the 19th century grade II listed building in Spital Square, will †comprise three dining areas, including a fine dining restaurant based in the main hall, a cocktail bar in the old curate’s house, and an all-day cafe de-Luxe with outdoor seating leading onto Spital Square.
Other members of the Galvin family will be involved in the long-term running of the restaurant, including brother David, Chris`s wife Sara and their son Emile, while Spero Panagakis will join as general manager and Chris Warwick who has worked with the Galvins for a number of years, as head chef.