Chef Lee Smith launches crowdfund for solo restaurant

Smith has moved home to Derbyshire and is looking to raise £30,000 on Kickstarter to open Lovage, a modern British restaurant, in Bakewell.

The chef has found a site but needs the additional funds to cover start-up costs such as purchasing equipment, hiring staff, and redecorating the venue.

Smith has until 11 March to hit his target, and hopes to open the restaurant in April. 

In a video on Kickstarter, the chef says: “I’ve put all my savings in to this with the help of family and friends along the way, I’m just hoping this last bit will help get the project to where it needs to be.”

The Kickstarter rewards include guest chef nights with Paul Foster and Adam Reid joining Smith in the kitchen. 

Smith won a Michelin star while head chef at Samphire, formerly known as Ormer, in Jersey in 2018 but left the restaurant last year to pursue his own venture.

He also appeared on the 2019 series of Great British Menu, representing the south west region.

To view the crowdfunding page click here.​​