Mike Robinson, restaurateur and co-owner of the Michelin-starred Harwood Arms in Fulham, is set to open The Woodsman in Stratford-upon-Avon in Spring 2019.
Showcasing Robinson’s passion for British produce and sustainable wild food, the restaurant and bar will be in boutique Hotel Indigo Stratford-upon-Avon, a fully restored building dating back as far as 1500.
As Executive Chef, Robinson will be working with Head Chef Jon Coates to bring his core ‘field to fork’ philosophy to The Woodsman, delivering an exceptional dining experience with a focus on sustainability, seasonality and locally-sourced produce.
A large wood-fired oven and charcoal grill will form the focal point of the restaurant, where guests can watch chefs as they prepare the finest British deer, wild boar, beef and Hebridean lamb; all raised on farms with the highest standards of husbandry. Fish will be sourced from the leading Cornish fisheries, while the very best Evesham vegetables and wild herbs from the kitchen garden will complement all dishes.
“I wanted to design a menu and service style that creates an atmosphere I would want to experience myself,” says Head Chef Jon Coates. “I’m excited to return to a traditional, rustic style of cooking that creates hearty dishes that bring people together.”
The interiors of The Woodsman and The Falcon Tearoom and Cocktail bar have been overseen by Robinson and designer Louise Walker and aim to unite the contemporary with the building’s original Shakespearean glory.
Period features, such as oak beams dating back to 1621 and traditional brick fireplaces, will be paired with modern furnishings and natural colours to create a rural and convivial feel reflective of the food and drink offering.
