Ex-Artisan owners to open Rascills restaurant in Yorkshire

The duo will launch the 24-cover Rascills in the village of Raskelf in late September/early October.

Richard said that the restaurant would have a relaxed feel and serve ‘proper’ plates of food with ‘no cuts in standards’.

There will also be a separate cosy area offering drinks, coffee and snacks throughout the day.

It comes three years after the Johns’ closed their award-winning restaurant Artisan,​ which was listed in both the Michelin and Good Food Guides.

They took on The Falcon Pub in Withernwick in 2014 to critical acclaim, but left earlier this year to help their friend Michelin chef Andrew Pern set up his York restaurant.

Now the couple are heading back to the kitchen launch their own venture.  

Michelin calling​

While Artisan gained almost every accolade except a Michelin star, Richard told BigHospitality he was not setting out to chase awards for the new site.

“It’s very welcome when your works gets recognised but ultimately accolades do no not pay bills, which we have witnessed first-hand,” he said.

“Looking back as a cook I've given the pursuit of star chasing so much of my energy and over the years I learnt not to do it. If getting a Michelin star ever happens great, if not we'll just carry on as we always have. After a tough three years of disappointment Lindsey and I are just happy to be back cooking and serving the food we enjoy.”

He added that the new site gave the couple a chance to begin ‘where we left off’ at Artisan.

"We’re not really interested in the latest and greatest culinary trends, rather focusing on delivering honest, standard driven hospitality,” he said.

“We are putting everything on the line for the project as there are no other parties involved.”

Rascills will open on Howker Lane, Raskelf during the day from Tuesday to Saturday, on Friday and Saturday nights and for Sunday lunch.