Steven Edwards to reopen expanded Etch in September

Steven Edwards is expanding and refurbishing his restaurant Etch, which is set to reopen in September.

Chef-owner Edwards and his investors have purchased the former beauticians next door to the restaurant on Church Road in Hove. The extension involves bringing both buildings together to form a two-storey venue, while retaining features such as the open kitchen, private dining room and booths and adding new elements such as a standalone cocktail bar and temperature-controlled wine room.

The design of the bigger space will be overseen by Akram Fahmi from London Design House. The refurbishment should allow place for up to 10 additional diners without restrictions.

Edwards said: "It's four years since I opened Etch and I'm proud and delighted with what we've achieved so far. However, you only see a building's weaknesses when you've lived there for a while, and space was one of these issues. When the premises next door came up for lease we didn't hesitate. It's given us the opportunity to create a bigger and better restaurant that offers a first-class experience from the moment our guests arrive until the moment they leave."

While the refurbishment is being built, Edwards and the team will be taking over at the Pass at South Lodge in Horsham, West Sussex, from 2 July until 29 August.

Edwards opened the previously 12-table restaurant in a former bank in 2017 after having run the concept as a pop-up. He was the winner of the 2013 MasterChef: The Professionals competition, and previously worked as head chef at the Camellia restaurant at South Lodge before leaving the role in 2015 to focus on Etch.