Former Fat Duck Group COO partners with butchers Gabriel Machin to launch second pub

Nigel Sutcliffe, former chief operating officer at the Fat Duck Group, has joined forces with butchers Gabriel Machin to open a pub in Henley this May.

 

It comes almost four years after Sutcliffe, co-founder of restaurant consultancy Truffle Hunting, relaunched the Oarsman pub in Marlow.

 

The team behind the Oarsman will now be taking over the 34-cover Three Tuns pub, with executive chef Scott Smith and general manager Patrycja Gajda at the helm.

 

Sutcliffe, who was formerly managing director of the Crazy Bear group of hotels and restaurants, has also partnered with his long-standing customer, Gabriel Machin’s owner Barry Wagner, who had eyes on acquiring the pub next door for over 25 years.

 

The 13th century pub will undergo a light refurbishment by interior design firm Alfred House ahead of opening to the public with the offer of premium butcher’s cuts and a selection of ales.

 

Dishes are set to include Gabriel Machin oak smoked salmon with celeriac remoulade; ham hock terrine with piccalilli and fennel and nduja Cambridge sausages.

 

Meats will be determined by Wagner’s butcher counter, cooked on the robata grill and served whole or in burgers.

 

Sutcliffe said: “Gabriel Machin is such an institution in Henley – and rightly so – selling the highest quality cuts of meat, and fish and Barry is such a well-loved and well-respected figure in the community. I’ve always loved the idea of buying the pub next door, using Barry’s incredible produce combined with Scott’s talents in the kitchen to create something special. 

 

“Our aim is for the Three Tuns to be a beloved space for the local community to enjoy great food, wine and ales in a warm and welcoming environment.”