A POPULAR countryside pub and restaurant has reopened following a makeover, with its head chef keen to put her own stamp on the business.
The Gwatkin Red Cow, based at the Gwatkin family's Moorhampton Park Farm in Abbeydore, welcomed customers back at the end of September after a three-day refurbishment. The refresh has been led by head chef Sophie Maley, who has been at the helm for around a year.
The work has included sanding and revarnishing tables throughout the venue, alongside new paintwork, furniture and plants. The reception area has also been revamped, while the site's cider shop has undergone a refresh of its own.
Ms Maley said she felt the time was right to bring her own ideas to the business after spending her first year building on the work of her predecessor.
"I've been in charge for over a year now and I've just been running it how the previous head chef and manager was running it. I just felt like it was time to put my own spin on it really," she said.
As someone who is coeliac herself, Ms Maley said ensuring the menu caters for people with dietary requirements remains a priority. The award-winning maker of Fully Rooted gluten-free pies has worked to ensure that most dishes on the menu can be adapted for gluten-free customers.
"That's very important to me, to make sure that is possible," she said.
The restaurant has also expanded its opening hours following a successful summer trial. After opening on Mondays and Tuesdays for the first time, the team decided to make the change permanent and now welcomes customers seven days a week.
The menu has also been broadened to include more affordable lunchtime options, while all-day breakfasts have been introduced in response to customer demand.
Read more
Finding good fish and chips isn't easy - then I found this place
Update on premium coffee brand transforming former Costa
Owners bid fond farewell to much-loved restaurant after over a decade
"Nowhere around here is really open on a Monday and Tuesday, so it seemed like a bit of a gap and we went for it," Ms Maley said.
"We wanted the place to be a hub that people can come to every day."
Having grown up in the area, she said the venue is the kind of place she would have loved to have on her doorstep as a child.
Reflecting on her first year in charge, she added: "I've learned lots doing it. Every day brings different challenges, but I've really been enjoying it."
Share