Simon and Kate King are delighted to announce the opening of their new restaurant 1861 in Cross Ash, Abergavenny.
Having been a chef for nearly 18 years, Simon King has worked in some of the best kitchens in the UK. His working career began for the Roux brothers at the two Michelin starred Waterside Inn at Bray.
Following a three year stint at the Waterside, Simon moved on to become Martin Blunos’ right hand man at the famous two Michelin star Bristol and Bath restaurants of Lettonnie. While working with Martin, Simon was trained in the importance of food provenance and how simple seasonal ingredients treated respectfully create the best culinary experiences.
When the time came for Simon to become head chef he began his final chef’s journey combining classical French techniques with a Scandinavian quest for perfection. A quest which eventually led him to Monmouthshire and Llansantffraed Court Hotel, where he and his team gained 2 AA Rosettes, and an invaluable insight into the fantastic produce that’s abundant in Wales today.
It was while at Llansantffraed Court that Simon met his wife to be, Kate. Having always lived in Monmouthshire with her family, Kate has experienced working in some of the finest restaurants in the area, including the Vineyard at Usk and The Newbridge (Welsh restaurant of the Year 2005), before moving on to become wedding coordinator at Llansantffraed Court. Whilst at Llansantffraed Court Kate not only gained knowledge and experience of superb food but also, became an expert in customer care, the quest for a perfect wedding day obviously being a priority not only for Kate but for the whole team at Llansantffraed Court!
1861 is born from these experiences, with a pursuit for truly fabulous food produced locally by local regional (or neighbouring) farmers, butchers and vegetable producers. Kate and Simon feel that Monmouthshire is now a real ‘foodie’ destination, and hope to live up to the excellent standard that already exists in the area. They are commited to providing excellent food at reasonable prices, with as local a provenance and little food mileage as possible, in addition to creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere to sit back and enjoy a well deserved lunch or evening out!
With this in mind, it’s good to see that the majority of fresh vegetables come from Kate’s father’s nursery in Nantyderry, ensuring that the time between harvesting the vegetables or picking the tomatoes to cooking/serving is kept to a minimum!!
The restaurant has newly refurbished decor, with a subtle contemporary feel, while maintaining its original features, many of which relate to its name. The service is warm and welcoming with the front of house managed by Kate, and a small number of local staff. Their quest for the freshest ingredients serves to create an ever changing seasonal menu, littered with many favourites such as the Braised Belly Pork and Mosaic of Red Fruits.
If you enjoy good food in a relaxed, welcoming environment put this new restaurant on your list!!