Welch is overseeing the launch of Parker’s Tavern, a 110-cover restaurant with a 61-cover bar opening at the redeveloped University Arms hotel later this year.
The restaurant will serve a seasonally changing menu of modern British dishes made with local Cambridge and East Anglian produce.
It marks a homecoming for Welch, who grew up just outside Cambridge before beginning his career in London training under Gary Rhodes and Michel Roux Jr at Le Gavroche.
He went on to work as head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Petrus at The Berkeley and re-launched Launceston Place in Kensington, before leaving in 2012 to spend more time with his family in Sweden.
His most recent role was at Cotton House and the Beach Café in Mustique.
“I am thrilled to finally be coming home to Cambridge to create a modern British restaurant in the heart of the city,” says Welch.
“The menu will be as flamboyant as I am, with dishes reflecting my personality and passion for fuss free, beautiful and downright delicious food, cooked with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. I am honored to have been so involved in the project, literally firm the ground up, and can’t wait to showcase it to the local community and visitors alike.”
The Parker's Tavern is set to open this winter.