Former Soho House Group director to launch new restaurant
The former director of hotel chain and member’s club company Soho House Group, Ben Crofton and his wife Vanessa will be opening a new restaurant, bakery and wine shop in Somerton this autumn.
The Grade 2* listed buildings that make up 28 Market Place and Market Bakery are currently undergoing a major restoration and renovation that will both protect their significant heritage and maximise enjoyment within and throughout the space.
The 80 seat restaurant will serve an Italian inspired menu featuring homemade pasta, wood fired pizzas and a family style Sunday lunch. Located next door, Market Bakery will supply the restaurant with a daily selection of pasta and bread as well as offering a range of pastries, cakes and cookies along with a Gelateria open until late. In addition, a bottle shop, Somerton Wines, will offer the customer the opportunity to purchase something special from a selection of 150 wines not on the restaurant list.
Ben has managed restaurants around the world including The French Laundry, Gordon Ramsay, Los Angeles and Phil Howard’s The Square, London. Most recently he worked as director of Babington House and Soho Farmhouse for the Soho House Group.
Vanessa brings experience to the project having worked for Nancy Silverton at Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles as well as the award-winning Clementine bakery before joining Gordon Ramsay where she and Ben met. This is their first venture together.
Ben said: “We wanted to create a neighbourhood restaurant and bakery which focused on Italian inspired food using the finest ingredients prepared simply – a place that offers a unique experience whilst fostering a sense of community.”
The investment behind 28 Market Place Ltd is local entrepreneur Adam Norris who has seen success in business investing in start-up companies through Glastonbury-based Horatio Investments.
