AN AWARD-winning Michelin-recommended restaurant in Whitchurch is set to fill an iconic town building that has lain empty since 2016.

In spring 2023, Docket No 33, owned and run by Frances and Stuart Collins, will be relocating to the Tudor-style fronted building at 16-18 High Street.

The couple first opened Docket No 33 in 2017 and are excited about the move to the new site, which will be known as 'Docket Restaurant by Stuart Collins'.

Whitchurch Herald:

The building had been the location of the former NatWest bank in the town and had been empty for a number of years before being bought by local entrepreneurs Kassie and Ron Courson and Frances said the new building would help with their expansion.

She added: "We were so excited when Kassie and Ron approached us about this project.

"Our restaurant business has really developed over the past five years, success helped undoubtedly by talented staff, loyal customers and brilliant local suppliers, but we’ve always wanted to take it to the next level.

"Lockdown, and our ability to adapt and still see the business flourish made us realise we were ready to expand.

"We’ve been looking for the right premises to start our own restaurant with rooms for a while, so this opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time.

"We can’t wait to get started."

The couple have spent a number of years working in Michelin restaurants across the globe before moving to Whitchurch and in addition to their recent recommendation, Stuart was the Midland heat winner of the 2021 Great British Menu.

The owners hope to help tourism in the town with their new premises and plan to ensure the current restaurant at No 33 will still be used.

They said: "While retaining the same 35-cover capacity, as well as the popular tasting menu format and unequivocal welcome and unpretentious vibe, the new 'Docket Restaurant by Stuart Collins' will feature an open kitchen, chef’s table and a feature bar (making use of the original bank counter).

"A private dining room, seating 10 to 12 guests, will be housed in the former bank manager’s office.

"Plans have also been submitted to create an intimate speakeasy-style bar in the cellar vault.

"As a bonus to the town’s thriving hospitality scene, the team’s existing premises at No.33 High Street will also continue to operate in an exciting new guise, set to launch later next year."

For more information call 07412 911882 or email info@docketrestaurant.com