The Canteen, based in a converted grade two listed Abbey Mill building in Abbey Mill Gardens just off the Broadway, was holding a dry-run prior to an official opening on Wednesday 24th September. It is owned by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, and promises to offer a combination of freshly prepared seasonal, local, organic and wild food, on a regularly changing menu, in the relaxed ambience of the restaurant.
Steve met with the Managing Director, Rob Love, in the bar, and after taking a tour of the stunning interior, spoke about the restaurant's future plans in the city.
Speaking afterwards, Steve said: "What a stunning addition to Winchester River Cottage will be. It's a tragedy that this beautiful old mill sat derelict for so long and this restaurant already looks as if was meant to be there.
"It was useful to see the work they've done for myself but also to hear from the MD of the whole company what more River Cottage do, in terms of the campaigning and ecological work, on top of serving great food. I wish them every success in Winchester but I suspect they won't need it."
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall said: "As a beautiful and vibrant city, close to the West Country and already boasting a wonderful local food culture centering around its great farmer's market, Winchester is an obvious location for a River Cottage Canteen.
"And the fantastic building we are moving into was the clincher. It's such a special place, right in the heart of the city. I can't imagine a better location from which to showcase the fantastic fare from the region's finest producers."
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