Harriet Mansell ‘ready for new opportunities’ as she prepares to relinquish Robin Wylde site

Robin Wylde, which launched in late 2020​​, ​ceased operating as a day-to-day restaurant at the beginning of this year, although it has continued to host tasting menu evenings on an ad hoc basis.

At the time, Mansell said the move, which saw her launch a temporary wild food bakery out of the same space​​, would allow her business to evolve in light of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, rising energy bills and soaring food costs. 

Now she has confirmed she will close the current iteration of Robin Wylde permanently at the end of September and hand back the keys to the Silver Street site the following month.

“This is the end of really special chapter for me, but I’m a big believer in change and by relinquishing the Robin Wylde site I will be freed up for new opportunities,” she tells Restaurant​.

“It will give me the space I need to evolve the business alongside my passions.”

Mansell is in the midst of ‘planning a new chapter and direction’ for her team and business.

“I have an exciting and very aligned project coming up that I will be announcing soon, one that sits close to my heart, and I really want to spend time fostering the things that are really important to me.”

In the lead up to September, Robin Wylde will host a series of final dinners.

Lilac, Mansell’s low-intervention wine bar and small plates restaurant that’s located down the road from Robin Wylde on Lyme’s famous Broad Street, will continue to operate.

“I’m looking forward to seeing out the summer with a series of final dinners at Robin Wylde,” Mansell adds.

“In the meantime, Lilac will very much remain open.”