Housed within a 17th century Grade II-listed farmhouse, Updown will have seven rooms in total including two cottages, all of which have been carefully restored by the couple over the past few years.
Whilst the works took place, Leigh and Brown used the space to host a successful series of supper clubs with chefs including Café Deco's Anna Tobias, Kricket's Will Bowlby, and Alex Jackson - which the pair say further cemented their dream to make Updown a permanent fixture.
Updown's main farmhouse will hold four bedrooms all overlooking the site's extensive grounds, with the additional rooms housed within the farm’s former outbuildings.
Alongside this there will be the outdoor restaurant, which will be led by Brown and sheltered under a pergola shaded by hanging vines and wisteria. The restaurant will overlook Updown's central lawn and farmhouse, and have its own outdoor kitchen with a bakers oven built into the stable wall.
A far cry from Duck Duck Goose, the modern Cantonese canteen Brown previously operated at POP Brixton in London, Updown's restaurant will serve an 'Italian leaning hyper-seasonal' menu with produce sourced from The Goods Shed, The Black Pig butcher and fishmonger Jenkins and Son.
Dishes will change regularly, but include the likes of raw sea bass with almonds and cherries; and grilled lamb chump with broad beans, artichokes and bagna cauda.
“Updown Farm is a dream come true for Ruth and I,” says Brown.
“After the last few years working on the house, and hosting some of our favourite chefs and good friends at the farm, we can’t wait to have people here to stay, and get completely immersed in life here.
“Updown is a celebration of what the area has to offer - from some of the most beautiful fruit and veg from our neighbouring farms to wines from local vineyards. We have big plans for the Updown and hope to restore more of it in months to come - watch this space.”
