Chef James Martin to open two restaurants at The Lygon Arms

Chef James Martin has partnered with The Lygon Arms in the Cotswolds to open two restaurants – Grill and Tavern – in February and March 2023.

Both venues follow in the footsteps of James Martin’s success at The Lygon Arms’ sister hotel in Hampshire, Chewton Glen, where Martin and his talented brigade of chefs developed a stand-out menu at The Kitchen Restaurant & Cookery School following its launch in 2017.

Located in a hall with a dramatic vaultic ceiling, Grill will serve signature dishes including Thai-Spiced Cornish Crab Risotto; Burnt Aubergine, Vegan Ricotta, Harissa, Bulgur Wheat and Soft Herbs; and classic dishes such as Dry-Aged Longhorn Beef Wellington served with Watercress, Braised King Oyster Mushrooms, Truffled All Butter Mash Potato.

Diners will also have the opportunity to order dishes straight off the grill, such as the ‘Market Fish of the Day’ or a variety of steaks.

The dessert menu will feature Martin’s legendary White Chocolate and Whisky Bread and Butter Pudding, alongside Laverstoke Apple and Hot “Tatin” borrowed from The Kitchen at Chewton Glen.

Tavern meanwhile will be a relaxed and comfortable space where guests can enjoy nibbles and grazing dishes, perfectly in keeping with the cosy historical tavern. Highlights include The Lygon Sausage Roll with Mustard, Relish and Pickles, Little Oak Middlewhite and Scotch Egg with Piccalilli Relish and a Hot Pork Pie with Fruity House of Parliament Sauce.

As well as regularly visiting The Lygon Arms, Martin will also host ‘Dinners with James Martin’, which will showcase seasonal “greatest hits” menus for the whole room, perfectly paired with wines. James also has plans to invite some of his fellow celebrity chefs and their culinary creativity to The Lygon Arms.

“Housed in an incredibly historic building with roots reaching back to the 13^th century, The Lygon Arms is a piece of history and James’ additions will add another chapter to the storied hotel,” comments Andrew Stembridge, Executive Director of Iconic Luxury Hotels. “Both our team and James have a shared outlook for what we see as the culinary future at The Lygon Arms; one which will incorporate fabulous, top-quality ingredients from the best suppliers.

“James works with the most renowned butchers, fishmongers, game dealers, farmers, and cheese makers in the country and we look forward to bringing these ingredients to our new and returning guests. Ultimately James is exceptionally talented when it comes to creating fun and atmospheric dining experiences and I am sure his involvement with The Lygon Arms will take everything to the next level.”