A young Nottingham chef/restaurateur has acquired and reopened the restaurant he once worked in as a pot washer.
Nick Wagstaff, 21, former chef/owner of The Green Room in Keyworth, has relaunched The Sanctuary Bar and Restaurant in Upper Saxondale with the financial backing of his mother, Karen Wagstaff, and local businesswoman Angela Brookes.
Previously an Asian-fusion restaurant, The 70-cover Sanctuary will now serve a family-orientated British-European menu with dishes such as Seared Scallops with Rosemary and Black Pepper Potatoes; Baked Herb Crusted Loin of Cod on Parmesan Potatoes with Wilted Spinach and White Wine Cream Sauce; and Confit Belly of Pork with a Sage and Onion Rosti, Apple Puree and Cider Sauce.
An a la carte menu will be available at the weekends, while brunch, lunch, bar snacks, British tapas and children’s menus will be served throughout the week.
Nick, who first worked at The Sanctuary at the age of 15, said he wanted to create a welcoming bar and restaurant suitable for the whole family.
“I want The Sanctuary to be a place where people know they can come in to relax with a pint, have a quick bite to eat or enjoy a home-cooked meal with the family,” he said.
A 50-cover conference room at the back of the restaurant, which is located within an old Victorian hospital, will be refurbished early next year to provide extra seating.