A brand new restaurant and bar which will be open seven nights a wee, providing the town with a place to have dinner, grab a drink and see friends is set to open this spring at 21 Market Place, Frome.
The Fat Radish is owned by Ellen Porteous, who set up The River House just over two years ago. Now she is embarking on her second business venture with the help of Head Chef, Pascale Vickery.
“We wanted to be able to offer a bigger, more varied menu that we weren’t able to at the café, given our capabilities with limited space and equipment,” explained Ellen.
“With a dedicated restaurant we can focus on creating an evening menu that makes an impact and have the space to accommodate everyone.
“Fat Radish will be a vibrant yet down to earth hang out with an inspiring menu and honest attitude. Serving up modern seasonal cuisine with world influences, the Fat Radish intend to excite the most enthusiastic foodies, whilst also offering a menu that will appeal to the less adventurous.
“The last thing we want to do is alienate anyone who understands a friendly, welcoming and down to earth approach is imperative. We want our menu to arouse the taste buds, not confuse the reader, so we’ll be creating honest dishes using good seasonal produce.”
Spread across three floors with kitchen and bar on the ground, restaurant seating on the first and a private function room on the top floor, this new venture is perfect for group parties, casual bites and more intimate dining experiences. The pair will be serving up options to cater for all appetites and budgets, with a more relaxed casual dining experience on the ground floor bar area and a more ‘fine’ dining experience on the first floor restaurant area. Those wishing to hire a room for private dining, meetings or parties can book in to the private function room.
Ellen and Pascale are creating a vibrant setting using bold blues, yellows and coppers with potted plants, contemporary artwork and soft furnishings. The décor will be lively and fun at the same time as comfortable, making people want to settle in for the evening and feel relaxed whilst doing so. Local graphic designer Alice Keegan of Et and Und has created the company’s branding, giving the team a modern logo along with menu design and window graphics. Alice and Ellen, who went to Frome Community College together, are both back in Frome to pursue their career goals.
Ellen said, “Frome is a great place to start a business, with so many familiar faces and people you can trust, it makes it far less scary for those starting out – I don’t think I could have created The River House anywhere else, and feel really positive about what the future holds for the Fat Radish.”
Along with a mouth watering menu, the bar will also be mixing up some creative cocktails with the help of their experienced bar team who have been shaking up some inventive drinks for the past 18 months at The River House. The Fat Radish will also be offering an extensive wine menu for people to pair with food or simply enjoy on its own. With draught options, craft bottled beer and ciders, and a well stocked gantry of obscure and interesting spirits,
Ellen and Pascale aim to establish themselves as one of the best restaurants in the south west and gain a reputation for excellence.
“We want to put Frome on the map as a real destination town in the evenings and with the re-opening of the cinema, the diverse offerings of the town’s two theatres plus some of the well established watering holes in the centre, we’re hoping this is really achievable.”
Pascale said, “We often find ourselves travelling out of Frome at the weekends for dinner or other things to do. If Frome can offer these alternatives, there would be no need to travel and means we could have a drink too!”
Ellen, who has lived in Frome her whole life, is keen to continue investing in the town attract further trade, create more jobs and allow for opportunities. The pair intends to run apprentice schemes at the Fat Radish, training young people in cookery skills and other areas of hospitality to help them into work and set them on the right career path.
The Fat Radish is currently recruiting front of house staff, chefs, bakers, kitchen porters, cleaning staff and bar team. If you would like to apply, please send your CV and covering letter to info@fatradish.co.uk
