Paul Merrett to reopen Victoria pub and hotel

TV chef Paul Merrett is set to reopen the Victoria pub and hotel in Sheen, south-west London, next week (20 August).

The former Michelin-starred chef, who previously ran the kitchen at the Greenhouse in Mayfair and more recently at the Farm in Fulham, bought the venture with business partner Greg Bellamy in May. They continued to operate its seven-bedroom hotel but closed the restaurant for an extensive refurbishment.

The new design features a 60‑seat bar and adjoining 40‑seat dining room as well as an alfresco area catering for as many as 50 guests. While Merrett will be in charge of the kitchen, Bellamy will oversee the front of house with restaurant manager Mike Sheldon.

Merrett said: "This is the first business that I own and I've really put everything into it - there's no big backer behind it and it's all financed by Greg and me."

He added that while the credit crunch is of concern, the Victoria is a "relatively safe bet" as it has a loyal local client base which he hopes to continue to attract.

"The menu will be focused on seasonal British produce," he said, "and I will be in the kitchen every day, cooking accessible food that people will want to eat on a regular basis."

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By Kerstin Kühn

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