Richard and Solanche Craven have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to open Ferment & Flour in Shipston on Stour, which they describe as ‘a relaxed, all-day spot that blends bakery, deli, and wine bar – with a bit of an Italian-British twist’.
Led by a kitchen team of former Royal Oak chefs, by day Ferment & Flour will serve slow-fermented breads, seasonal bakes, good coffee, carefully chosen wines and deli boards while at night it will transform into Bastardos Trattoria, described as ‘a more rebellious and refined’ take on Italian dining, built around British ingredients.
Bastardos Trattoria will be a love letter to everything the couple have enjoyed cooking and eating over the years, with a menu that will feature handmade pasta, foraged greens, and charcuterie ‘all with a not-so-traditional trattoria attitude’.
In keeping with the laid-back but rebellious vibe, Italian hip hop will make an appearance on the restaurant’s play list.
The evening offer will be led by former head chef at The Royal Oak John Broughton alongside Charlie Vale, who’s been with Richard at the pub for over five years.
The couple say that it has been a long-time dream to create a place where ‘slow-fermented bread, seasonal cooking, and small-town warmth come together around the table’ and are looking to raise £15,000 to help fund the restaurant’s fit out and make their dream a reality.
The crowdfund, live on funding platform Crowdfunder, offers rewards in exchange for pledges that include a signed copy of Richard’s debut cookbook A Rural Cook, a Batsardos or Ferment & Flour apron, and meal vouchers.
For those looking to give more, other options include a four-course meal cooked for 10 people at home, a guided tasting led by Solanche exploring South African wine, and the chance to name a Bastardos cocktail.
Writing on the crowdfunding page the pair describe their new venture as ‘the kind of place you pop into once - and end up returning to again and again’.
Richard says he is aiming to open Ferment & Flour in early July, with Bastardos following a few weeks later and that he is looking to add a front of house manager to the team before finalising the opening date.
To visit the crowdfunding page, click here.