Michelin-starred chef to open new restaurant in Henley

The restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with space for 60 guests.

Based in the Relais Henley hotel, the restaurant also boasts an outdoor dining area, with the option to seat up to 50 people.

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Bosses have said there will be a strong focus on British produce.

Mr Chapman said: “We’re all incredibly excited about the opening of the restaurant.

“Henley is a beautiful town, and the perfect setting for the style of food we want to introduce to the area.

“For me, food needs to be uncomplicated and ingredient-led. We know the area really well and will be working closely with local suppliers to make sure we can utilise the brilliant produce we have on our doorstep.”

The restaurant, due to open in early 2024, will be headed up by Mr Chapman as executive chef, and long-term colleague David Thompson as head chef.

Mr Chapman is a multi-award winning chef, with a Michelin star to his name during his time at the Royal Oak in Paley Street in Berkshire, as well as Michelin guide recognition at The Crown in Birchetts Green and the Beehive in Maidenhead.

His menu will include dishes such as smoked eel, rabbit and bacon terrine, Lancashire hot pot, oxtail and kidney pie and chocolate fondant.

The Relais Henley is a 40-room boutique hotel, managed by The Relais Retreats group - headed up by owners Grace Leo and Tim Hartnoll.

The interiors are the brainchild of Ms Leo, who has a background in international hotels.

Alongside the main restaurant, guests will also be able to enjoy exclusive use and hire of numerous private dining spaces within the hotel.

The restaurant will also host a selection of craft cocktails and a wine list.

Ms Leo said: “We are delighted to welcome Dominic to the area and cannot wait to share his wonderful cooking with our local community.

"We share a common passion in providing excellence in the English art of living and dining."

The hotel has curated a range of Christmas activities for the coming weeks, including Santa Claus visits, carol singers and Christmas feasts.

If you want to find out more, go to www.therelaisretreats.com/henley/calendar-of-events/festive-season-at-the-relais-henley.

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1