Taking up his new role from July, Dan will craft the restaurant’s modern British-European menu, with a focus on quality produce sourced from the surrounding Somerset countryside.
Formerly head chef at Fenchurch at Sky Garden in London, Dan’s cooking is unashamedly modern and reflects his fidelity to clean, fresh flavours and local produce instilled in him in his early days working at the Michelin-starred The Kitchin in Edinburgh, under Tom Kitchin; and alongside Tommy Banks in Oldstead’s The Black Swan. He will bring this same approach, which saw him reach the final of the 13th series of Great British Menu in 2018, to his menus at 28 Market Place when it opens this autumn.
28 Market Place is the first solo venture from Ben Crofton and his wife Vanessa; comprising a group of Grade II listed buildings in the picturesque town of Somerton, Somerset, which are currently undergoing restoration to protect the significant heritage of the space. Alongside the restaurant, the development will offer the Market Bakery, which will supply the restaurant’s baked goods; Somerton Wines, stocking a selection of around 150 wines; and an artisan ice cream shop.
Speaking of his appointment, Dan Fletcher comments; “I’ve really enjoyed the last few years in London, it’s got such a great food scene and I’ve developed creatively in a way I couldn’t have anywhere else. It would have taken a lot to pull me away, but as soon as I met Ben and Vanessa I knew that 28 Market Place was the perfect next step for me.
Working with fresh, local produce has always been key to my food philosophy, and this aligns so well with what they are looking to achieve and the space they’re building. Somerton is such a beautiful location, with the on-site bakery, and access to great produce from the surrounding farmers it is so exciting for me as a chef and I can’t wait to get stuck in”
28 Market Place founder Ben Crofton adds; “We’re really excited that Dan is joining our team and taking the helm of the kitchen at 28 Market Place. Vanessa and I now live in Somerset, and this project is really close to our hearts, so we wanted to make sure whichever chef we chose would be able to bring great local produce to the forefront of everything we do at the restaurant.
As soon as we met Dan we knew he was the ideal choice. He’s so passionate about letting the ingredients sing and is so creative in his execution of the dishes he produces. With his extensive Michelin experience and precision in his cooking, I know he’s going to make a real impact when we open the doors at 28 Market Place later in the year.”
Alongside Ben and Vanessa Crofton, local entrepreneur, Adam Norris of Glastonbury-based Horatio Investments, has helped fund the project.
28 Market Place will open this autumn in Somerton, Somerset.
28 Market Place, Somerton, Somerset, TA11 7NB
www.28marketplace.co.uk
@28marketplace
For more information or imagery please contact molly@toniccomms.co.uk.
