A new restaurant with a familiar name is opening in St John’s with a chef who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, in Michelin star restaurants led by Gordon Ramsey and Michel Roux.
Green’s Restaurant is a new venture by the owners of Green’s Cafe, Nigel and Nicky Kermode, and will be managed by chef Richard Johnson from December 1st.
Richard Johnson has worked in the Isle of Man for almost four years, initially at The Abbey in Ballasalla and latterly at the Railway Station, Port St Mary. He has previously worked at Aubergine and Le Gavroche in London, and other famous restaurants and hotels.
“I have always dreamed of having my own restaurant and when this chance arrived it was perfect,” said Richard. “Something like this is a rare opportunity for a chef, and it’s extremely rare to meet owners like Nigel and Nicky who genuinely know and understand the business, and are so passionate about food.
“Green’s Restaurant is a great canvas for a chef, and it’s a really exciting opportunity to do something special.”
The menu will concentrate on seasonal ingredients, and change monthly with a particular emphasis on using local produce such as seafood and seasonal cuts of meat. There will initially have a range of five starters, five main courses and five desserts, plus amuse bouche, sorbets, home made breads, daily terrines and a classic soup made freshly every day.
New kitchen equipment has also be added to the premises, including a top of the range Pacojet ice cream making machine and sous vide equipment and an extension to the kitchen is planned for the near future.
Green’s initially opened 30 years ago in Douglas Railway Station, and moved to St John’s seven years ago. The new restaurant has seating for a maximum of 80, including two private dining rooms.
Nigel Kermode, who first started in the catering business in 1971 with The Roller Coaster Cafe on Peel promenade, said, “Green’s Cafe has been very successful and has grown steadily over the years, but this is a rare chance for us to expand the business, with a top class chef who shares our passion for food, and has the same vision for what we want to achieve.
“We intend that Green’s Restaurant will be high quality dining, but at an affordable price. Richard’s background as a chef is exceptional, and we share the same ambitions for the business. The business remains family-owned and nothing changes during the day, but the evenings are going to be something a bit special.”
The existing daytime business will continue seven days a week in exactly the same format, but will close each day at 6pm, so that the premises can be transformed with classic white tablecloths, cutlery and table dressings, re-opening at 6.30pm.
Bookings for Green’s Restaurant are now being taken on 800129.
Photo - Richard Johnson and Nigel Kermode in Green’s Restaurant.
