Carved Angel in new hands after 26 years

The Carved Angel in Dartmouth, Devon, a restaurant that was at the forefront of the growth of modern British cookery in the 1970s and 1980s, has been sold by its founder, Joyce Molyneux, and her business partner Meriel Matthews.

Peter Gorton, chef-proprietor of the Horn of Plenty in nearby Tavistock, together with business partners Paul and Andie Roston, bought the 52-seat waterfront restaurant on Monday. The deal included the nearby Carved Angel Café, which until now has been open only during the day. Gorton intends to open it in the evening as well. Molyneux, who opened the Carved Angel in 1974, is retiring

"I feel very lucky and honoured to be able to purchase what has become an institution among restaurants," said Gorton. "Joyce has given a massive amount of inspiration to many chefs over many years and I hope we can continue in her footsteps.

"Although I have some plans for the restaurant in the future, our main intention is to maintain the good work put in place by Joyce."

Gorton said it would be nice to regain the Michelin star the Carved Angel held throughout the 1980s. The Horn of Plenty currently holds a Michelin star.

David Jones will remain as head chef at the Carved Angel, which Gorton will oversee while continuing to cook at the Horn of Plenty, which has a 55-seat restaurant and 10 bedrooms.

by Janet Harmer

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 17-23 February 2000