British Larder in Suffolk changes ownership
The ownership of the British Larder in Bromeswell in Suffolk has changed after it was bought out by a new company formed by its operators Madalene Bonvini-Hamel and Ross Pike.
The pair have formed Bromeswell Dining Company Ltd along with Mike Smith, the chairman of Oakman Inns and Restaurants to take control of the pub.
Oakman Inns and Restaurants previously had a controlling stake in the business. Oakman chief executive Peter Borg-Neal will also retain a minority stake in the business. Smith will hold the position of chairman at the Bromeswell Dining Company in addition to his role at Oakman.
The changes in ownership are not expected to affect the day-to-day running of the restaurant, which opened in 2010 and has since been named an inspectors' favourite in the Michelin Pub Guide, as well as making it into the Good Food Guide.
Chairman Mike Smith told The Caterer: "The change in ownership, which has been planned for some time, not only allows Oakman to concentrate on its core business but also gives an exciting new platform for the British Larder to expand and diversify. In addition to operating the pub, the British Larder website - which since its inception in 2010 has been an incredible success averaging 40,000 hits per month - will be enhanced with even more content and interactivity and we also plan to further develop the retail arm of the British Larder.
"Both Madeline and Ross are also in much demand for their consultancy work and the new structure will now allow them more flexibility to pursue this activity as well."
The British Larder was born out of an online recipe diary compiled by Bonvini-Hamel. In July 2010, Bonvini-Hamel, Pike and their backers acquired the Cherry Tree pub in Bromeswell and renamed it as the British Larder to give the website a physical home.
Bonvini-Hamel has been a monthly contributor to The Caterer for more than three years, and in 2012, she published The British Larder: A Cookbook for All Seasons. The book took the UK Female Chef Cookbook of the Year title in the 2012 Gourmand International book awards.
The British Larder has also announced plans to launch a range of seasonal Christmas products in Selfridges.
