PRISON grub has never tasted so good – kind of. The finest contemporary cuisine is promised when a new restaurant opens in Wokingham town centre next week. And among the spaces there are two private dining areas created from former jail cells.
FARE is opening on the site of RYND in Wokingham town hall on Wednesday, June 19.
Part of the Truffle Hunting group, it is on the ground floor of the Grade II listed building in Market Place, and the menu will include small plates making ideal for those looking for a quick bite, as well as main courses such as 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.
A robata grill has been installed, which will enable dishes to be cooked on flames.
The wine list will have a focus on sustainable, natural, organic, and biodynamic small producers from all over the world, while cocktails will also be on offer.
The restaurant is the creation of Nigel Sutcliffe, who was a director of Heston Blumenthal’s three Michelin-starred Fat Duck in Bray, and the former chef of Marlow-based The Hand and Flowers, Josh Wilde.
Together with business partner James McLean, Sutcliffe runs The Oarsman in Marlow, The Crown in Bray and The Mutton in Hazeley Heath.
Mr Wilde has also worked at L’ortolan and Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons before joining Tom Kerridge’s team at the one Michelin starred, The Coach in Marlow. He stayed for three years before transferring to the two Michelin starred The Hand & Flowers.
There is a new look to the restaurant, with the interior designed by London-based House Nine. The team say FARE’s design will enhance the warm and inclusive nature of the menu with rich green colours matched with wood and leather furnishings.
And two of the prison cells have been converted into a private dining area. Each can house six people, creating a unique experience.
Mr Sutcliffe 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. “
