The picturesque hamlet of Cross Ash, just outside Abergavenny, is home to a new gourmet cuisine experience. Simon King, owner and head chef at 1861, has worked in some of the country’s top restaurants – fine dining is very much his forte. Simon and wife Kate have built upon a wealth of restaurant experience to offer gourmet standard dining to Abergavenny with just the right balance of friendly personal service to make for a meal to remember.
Simon learned his trade alongside such ‘big names’ in cuisine as the Roux Brothers and Martin Blunos, in the kitchens of some of the UK’s most popular fine dining restaurants. In Blunos’ famous ‘Restaurant Letonnie’ Simon learnt the importance of food provenance, a lesson he is now applying with great skill for Abergavenny diners. Simple seasonal ingredients, treated respectfully, are at the heart of this restaurant’s fine dining achievements.
Produce is sourced from local butchers and farmers around Abergavenny wherever possible – including vegetables and salads from Kate’s father’s garden! The emphasis on fresh local food means that 1861 can offer constantly changing seasonal menus, with restaurant favourites ranging from Braised Belly Pork to Mosaic of Red Fruits.
With Abergavenny and Monmouthshire increasingly a centre for exceptional cuisine and gourmet restaurants, fine dining at reasonable prices is the main aim for Simon and Kate with 1861. The recently refurbished interior of the restaurant reflects a warm contemporary feel while maintaining many of the historic features of the building. The atmosphere is prestigious yet welcoming in equal part.
For connoisseurs of truly exceptional restaurants, fine dining has a new home in Abergavenny at 1861. To make a booking call 0845 388 1861 now: the restaurant is open Tues-Sun 12-2pm for lunch, and Tues-Sat 7-9pm.
When you contact 1861, please be sure to mention you found them on Thebestof Abergavenny.