Nick Rudge to open casual dining restaurant the Nest in Conwy

Chef Nick Rudge has announced he is opening a casual dining restaurant in Conwy, North Wales.

The chef, who has run fine dining restaurant the Jackdaw for the past five years, is opening the Nest around the corner from his original site.

The 60-cover restaurant on Castle Street will be around three times the size of his tasting menu restaurant, which is inspired by the ingredients, stories, landscape and people of Wales.

The Nest will be open from 12pm-9pm Wednesday to Sunday in the quieter months, and seven days a week during the tourist seasons.

It will offer an à la carte menu with dishes including Môn crab and smoked haddock fishcake, the Nest burger and steak frites using local beef aged on site.

The menu will be available all day, with toasties and sandwiches sold at lunchtime.

Rudge, who prior to returning home to Wales to open the Jackdaw worked at the Fat Duck as sous chef, said: “Over the last five years the Jackdaw has had some wonderful success, from being in prestigious restaurant guides, to winning prestigious awards, to gaining an amazing reputation nationwide.

“I have come to understand over the years that a tasting menu is not for everyone and for that reason I have decided to create the Nest.

“We will also have a small, intimate bar area, serving a selection of cocktails (a great option for a pre-drink before your meal at the Jackdaw), and the choice of bar snacks to accompany.”

Rudge plans to open the Nest at the end of September as the Jackdaw celebrates its five-year anniversary.

As part of its celebrations, Rudge and the team will offer an à la carte menu for October featuring dishes from previous menus as well as new plates.