A move towards putting town on fine dining map

Friars Street restaurant The Secret Garden is expanding with the opening of a new bar and restaurant next month.

The business, run by co-owners Alain Jacq and Stéphane Chapotot for 12 years, is expanding into the 15th century Buzzards Hall next door to The Secret Garden.

The tea room and cafe will continue to serve range of breakfasts, light lunches and snacks while the new wine bar and restaurant will serve contemporary French and European cuisine at lunch and dinner, from Wednesday to Sunday lunchtime.

Mr Jacq said his ambition was to give Sudbury an exclusive, privately-owned wine and fine dining experience. “If you want to find somewhere for fine dining you have to go out of the town. I want to put Sudbury on the map. It was time for us to have more space.” he said.

The move will see 12 new jobs created bringing the team to 20 people, including five chefs. It will double the amount of restaurant space.

Somerville Financial Services was the previous owner of Buzzards Hall for more than 23 years. Andrew Cross of Somerville said, “Buzzards Hall was a fantastic base for our businesses. When the owners of The Secret Garden decided they wanted it for their new restaurant, it seemed like destiny. We know they will make it a great success and we hope they enjoy owning the building as much as we did.”