Kerridge announces Hand and Flowers sister site in London

Tom Kerridge has quickly replaced The Butcher’s Tap & Grill.

Following the decision to close the Chelsea outpost of his Butcher's Tap & Grill brand, chef Tom Kerridge has quickly revealed the concept that will replace the London pub.

Chef Tom De Keyser and The Tom Kerridge Group will now open The Chalk Freehouse in Chelsea on Monday 16 June, which the group is dubbing the 'the sister London pub' to Kerridge's two Michelin-starred The Hand and Flowers in Marlow. 

De Keyser, who has worked alongside Kerridge for 12 years, was most recently head chef at The Hand and Flowers. He also previously served as head chef at The Coach, another of Kerridge’s Marlow establishments, which holds one Michelin star.

At The Chalk Freehouse, a three-course menu will be available for lunch and dinner, showcasing the cooking for which De Keyser has built both him and former establishments a name. 

"Ever since I met Tom DK 13 years ago, I knew he’d go far within our group," says Kerridge. "He’s brought so much to both The Coach and The Hand and Flowers over the years and I have full confidence that he’ll do the same with The Chalk.

"He’s worked really hard on this new concept creating some absolutely standout dishes, and I know with the help of our incredibly loyal team he’ll do brilliantly in bringing it to life. It’s great to see Tom opening his first standalone site – it’s a true celebration of all the hard work and dedication he’s put into his career so far. I can’t wait for the doors to open."

What's on the menu?

For starters, guests can enjoy the likes of Cheese & Onion Scone with Whipped Mustard and Herb Butter; and Spiced Chicken Thighs with Tarragon & Caper Mayonnaise. Mains feature a Pork Chop Schnitzel with Smoked Bacon Cabbage and a Fried Duck Egg; and a Curry Roasted Baby Chicken with Braised Butter Beans and Preserved Lemon.

On Sundays, a roast of 30-day Dry Aged Rib of Beef with Buttered Heritage Carrots, Roast Potatoes and Yorkshire Pudding will be on offer in addition to the usual menu.

Alongside Homemade Ice Creams, the dessert offering includes a Chocolate Tart with Smoked Sea Salt and Crème Fraîche; a warm Pork Fat Chelsea Bun served with a Vanilla Custard; and a Brown Sugar Pavlova with English Strawberries and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon Vinegar.

De Keyser will be succeeded at The Hand and Flowers by Sarah Hayward, crowned Michelin Young Chef of the Year in 2023, who will move from The Coach, where she is currently head chef. Also supporting the team and leading front-of-house at The Chalk is Lourdes Dooley, general manager of all three of Kerridge’s Marlow venues.


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