River Cottage has confirmed it will open the next River Cottage Canteen and Deli at Plymouth’s Royal William Yard in the autumn, after successfully completing licensing and planning applications this week in Plymouth.
The River Cottage Canteen and Deli, which last week signed a 25-year lease on the Brewhouse building, with Urban Splash, now hopes to open in October.
It will be based on the successful River Cottage Canteen and Deli in Axminster, which was originally set up by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, campaigner, broadcaster and food writer, who’s River Cottage TV series, on Channel 4, captured the Nation’s interest in food provenance and sustainable living.
Now building on its initial success, River Cottage will make a substantial six-figure investment, to re-create its unique food offering in a stunning waterside ex-Naval heritage building. The Grade I Listed Brewhouse building, part of the historical Royal William Yard scheme which is being redeveloped by award winning regeneration company Urban Splash, is situated right on the facing Mount Edgcumbe. It features a triple height ceiling, and will have a large outdoor terrace, affording spectacular views of The Tamar River, and looks out towards The Sound.
The River Cottage Canteen and Deli, in Plymouth, will offer a unique combination of fantastic seasonal, local, organic and wild food, both in the relaxed ambiance of the restaurant and to take away from the Deli.
“We are delighted to complete the licensing and planning applications processes this week in Plymouth,” said River Cottage MD, Rob Love. “We worked hard to understand and address the concerns and create a relationship with the residents at Royal William Yard, and were pleased to see this has been recognised.”
“We are excited about the opportunity at Plymouth. The location is jaw dropping, and it will be great to join a vibrant community with a big vision for the future. Our first task now is to work with local food suppliers, to source and develop fantastic produce.”
River Cottage Canteen and Deli aims to provide approximately 25 jobs in the City, and has already recruited about 16 positions. It is estimated it could have a local economic impact to the City calculated to be in the millions – inclusive of transport, the tourist economy, and employment. It is anticipated up to 90% of the food would be sourced within a 50-mile radius of the City and will have a strong South West slant.
“River Cottage believes passionately about where food comes from and how it is produced and wants to support local producers, the local economy and reduce the miles your food has to travel. A strict focus on seasonality is encouraged, as is a ‘no compromise’ attitude on quality and taste. We know our suppliers all agree,” said River Cottage Plymouth’s Head Chef, Joe Draper.
‘The best seasonal local produce is always at the heart of the River Cottage approach to cooking, and we are very much looking forward to celebrating and contributing to the vibrancy of the local food community in Plymouth. The City and Region have a strong fishing and market garden heritage, and we have a great opportunity to source the best ingredients and create some fantastic food in a wonderful location. The whole team is seriously excited.” Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall
