My last news update was way back on the 1st August last year and was pretty upbeat at a time when I was looking forward to moving my entire business to the nearby Highbullen Hotel in the September.
However, soon after posting my last message it became increasingly apparent to me that the ambitious plans for dining at Highbullen were being downgraded and the promised and essential new kitchen seemed as far away as ever. As these plans formed the sole basis for my intended move to Highbullen I had little option other than to pull out of the move. Since then of course matters have gone from bad to worse at Highbullen with no sign of any of the intended investment and I guess there must be real concerns as to its future: a great shame.
For my part, this abrupt end to what should have been an exciting new venture, meant that a new restaurant of my own was never going to be a short term option. I needed to find work! I regret that this meant me leaving the area and in October last year I accepted the post of head chef at a prominent private members’ club in the South East.
I am sorry that I’ve been so tardy in updating my site with the turn of events since last July. I’ve no real excuses other than starting a new and demanding job does tend to focus one’s mind on the here and now! However, I’m glad to have been able to be able to do so now: better late than never! As for the future, well if the right opportunity arises I’d love to be back with a new restaurant. I’ll let you know if and when there are any developments on this front. In the meantime, I will not forget the good times in Barnstaple and my many loyal customers, dining club members, cookery school students and wine tasting aficionados: best wishes to all of you and thank you so much for your support.
