Billy Reid, the former executive chef of the Vineyard at Stockcross in Reading, has taken over as head chef at Wiltshire restaurant 2XS. He and his partner, Julie Blay, have also become directors and shareholders in the Marlborough eaterie, set up by local businessman Terence Martin two years ago.
Reid, who joined 2XS in July, left the Vineyard in December 2001 and spent the intervening period travelling in America, the Far East and Australia before returning to the UK.
The Marlborough restaurant has capacity for 75 and is within 20 miles of the Vineyard. Commenting on his reasons for joining 2XS, Reid said: "I don't want a job any more. I want to be part of a business I can believe in and help build. I was already known in the area, so I've come here with a client base."
Reid and Martin aim to make 2XS into a destination restaurant for the area. However, they also aim to roll it out as a brand in the region. Reid said: "It's just a business opportunity and if you have the right people around you I don't see that you would compromise anything."