FORMER director of the renowned three times Michelin star Fat Duck restaurant, Nigel Sutcliffe, has joined forces with former chef of two times Michelin star Hand & Flowers pub, Josh Wilde, to unveil their brand-new Berkshire restaurant FARE.

The multi-Michelin starred team are opening the new restaurant on June 19 in the heart of Wokingham, inside the majestic Grade 2 listed Town Hall building.

Ribeye with Shin Croquette and Sides FARE will serve seasonal contemporary cuisine featuring a range of small to large plates, allowing guests to grab a small bite to eat or get together, family style and share a big celebratory meal.

At the heart of the brand-new kitchen is a robata grill which will provide the backbone for the exciting fire-led menu. Dishes will include merguez kofta with cucumber and mint, roasted octopus with capers, raisins, and chorizo, an onion tarte Tatin with onion velouté and chicory as well as spiced Lyme Bay plaice with roasted scallop and pak choi.

FARE also stocks a handpicked collection of wines focusing on sustainable, natural, organic, and biodynamic small producers from all over the world, many will available both by the bottle, carafe and glass. Alongside this will be a handcrafted cocktail list.

Nigel Sutcliffe and business partner James McLean FARE joins the award-winning Truffle Hunting family. Nigel and business partner James McLean, also operate The Oarsman in Marlow, The Crown in Bray and The Mutton in Hazeley Heath.

Prior to starting Truffle Hunting, Nigel worked side by side with Heston Blumenthal to run the world famous 3 Michelin starred, The Fat Duck in Bray.

Head chef Josh Wilde’s Michelin starred pedigree has seen stages at L’ortolan and Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons before joining Tom Kerridge’s team at the 1 Michelin starred, The Coach in Marlow. He stayed for three years before transferring to Tom’s flagship, 2 Michelin starred, The Hand & Flowers.

Mushroom Parfait

The brand-new restaurant interior is designed by London based design practice, House Nine. The new design will enhance the warm and inclusive nature of the menu with rich green colours matched with wood and leather furnishings.

FARE also houses a private dining area consisting of two converted former prison cells. Each cell dates from the 19th century when the building housed the local police station and can comfortably fit 6 people to create a unique and atmospheric environment, ideal for a celebration or larger group bookings.

Nigel Sutcliffe, of Truffle Hunting, said: “FARE is all about great cooking and great hospitality. People will be able to enjoy everything from a quick bite to a full celebratory dinner.

“Being situated at the centre of the town means we are perfectly placed to put ourselves at the heart of everything Wokingham is about. I can’t wait to welcome people to our FARE family.”

FARE head chef Josh Wilde added: “The menu is a combination of everything I’ve learnt over my career in world class kitchens and the robata grill adds a wonderful smoky character to the food which will lend itself to many of the dishes. FARE is focused on family and creating a community at the table with lots of delicious food to share. I am really excited for people to come in and try our menu.”

The new restaurant is expected to throw open the doors at the historic Wokingham Town Hall location on June 19.