Tom Kerridge reveals plans for second Marlow pub
Speaking at the recent Estrella Damm Gastronomy Congress, the chef said he was in negotiations to take over a small pub down the road from the Hand and Flowers, although he would not reveal the name of the venue.
Kerridge said he wanted to transform the pub into an all-day dining venue offering affordable food in a relaxed atmosphere.
"It will be a new concept for a pub that will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner," he said.
Led by Nick Beardshaw, currently senior sous chef at The Hand and Flowers, the pub would serve a menu of British and French-inspired small plates such as crispy pigs head and spiced cod with cumin. In total there would be 25-30 dishes to choose from, priced at £6-12 each.
“We are embracing solid, classic food, flavours and cooking,” said Kerridge. “One of which is using a rotisserie oven, of which I am a huge fan.”
The interior would be styled on a tapas bar, featuring an L-shaped bar with 20 stools and a further 20 covers around the outside.
“The kitchen will be pushed into the bar area so you will be able to sit at the bar and actually talk to the chefs,” added Kerridge.
Kerridge said the new concept had been inspired by changing consumer habits, with people drinking less during the week and abandoning pubs for coffee shops and high street restaurants.
"Our plan with this new business is to attack the brasseries, pizza chains and coffee shops, to try and draw them back into the pub," he said.
The Estrella Damm Gastronomy Congress, organised by Restaurant Magazine, took place at the Hurlingham Club on 30 June. Ferran Adrià, Jose Pizaro and Fran Agudo and David Gil of Tickets in Barcelona also took to the stage to discuss and demonstrate the art of modern tapas.
The Hand and Flowers was named Gastropub at the Year and fourth best restaurant in the UK at the National Restaurant Awards 2014, which took place at the Hurlingham Club after the Congress.
Fancy working with Tom Kerridge? The Hand and Flowers is currently looking for front-of-house staff. To apply visit the BigHospitality jobs board.
