Announcing the news on Instagram over the Easter weekend, the restaurant’s owners said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have to tell you that 28, the bakery and the wine shop will not be opening again. We did all we could until the very end, but it just wasn’t enough.”
Opened by ex-Soho House director Ben Crofton and his wife Vanessa in Somerton, the restaurant, wine shop and adjoining bakery were located in a group of 17th and 18th century buildings in the small town of Somerton with former The Square and Fenchurch at Sky Garden chef Dan Fletcher as head chef.
The bakery was launched with Alba Lage, formerly of Soho Farmhouse, alongside bakers Ettore Mello, formerly of Nopi in Soho, and Arthur Stokes, who was previously at The Bread Station in London Fields.
The Croftons and Fletcher parted ways with their investment company and the restaurant back in November, with Philip Norris and Martin Bowles becoming directors in January 2023 and August 2022 respectively. Matt Heeley, formerly the restaurant’s sous chef, had been promoted to head chef.
The restaurant team added: “Thank you all, for the good times, the services filled with love and joy, your company and your custom. We are eternally grateful to you all.
“Over and out, Somerton. We will miss you so very, very much.”
This article has been updated to include details about the change in ownership of the business.
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