UNITED KINGDOM
FINE DINING 400 YEARS IN THE MAKING
Transforming a 400-year old building into the kind of restaurant that would leave interior designers in a flutter and food critics drooling is not a task for the feint of heart. Luckily, chef Richard Synan and his wife, Natasha, were up for the job. Overlooking the River Avon and its iconic Town Bridge, the newly opened The Weaving Shed casually occupies one of the best spots in the historic Wiltshire town of Bradford-On-Avon. With impeccable culinary heritage and an eye for the aesthetic, Richard and Natasha have shown their astuteness as restaurateurs with this exciting new waterside dining venture. “The building is over 400 years old, so there were many challenges when we did the refit,” explains Richard. Having cut his teeth at Gordon Ramsay’s Claridge’s, and the Michelinstarred L’Atelier, he is not a man to be easily deterred though.“I had dreamt of a site like this ever since I started cooking professionally over a decade ago,” he says. “It was love at first sight, and it has been absolutely worth it.” The impressive interior design and waterside vibe complement the historic setting. Inside, design features like the reclaimed timber bar, leather sofas, vintage trunks and industrial lighting enhance the scene. To match an inspirational fit-out, Richard and his kitchen team are serving up cuisine that has local tongues wagging. “Our aim is to provide the highest quality food available in the local area,” says Richard. The menu is fresh and seasonal, “great British food” in homage to the cultural significance of the setting. Once again showing his nerve, the kitchen is completely open-plan. Up to 150 diners cast a critical eye over the cooking team each service. After working with Gordon Ramsey, it’s a walk in the park for Richard.
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