10 minutes with: Kirk Haworth, Co-founder, Plates
Plates launching Farm and Retreat in France
Plates, the recently opened restaurant from siblings Keeley and kirk Haworth, has announced the launch of the Plates Farm and Retreat in the heart of the French countryside.
They are also collaborating with renowned graphic artist Anthony Burrill for a series in their London restaurant.
Since opening in July 2024, Plates has welcomed an unprecedented amount of popularity and bookings, with the restaurant selling out of reservations in record time.
With Kirk heading up the kitchen, Plates’ focal aim is to change the perception of how fruits, vegetables and plants can be transformed, offering diners a seven or eight course tasting menu with a focus on incredible produce lying at the heart of the restaurant.
Bookings are now being taken for their Farm and Retreat, located equidistant to both Bordeaux and Toulouse.
Available to book from May through to September 2025, the working farm and luxury escape is a sanctuary where Kirk and his team come to escape from London to grow, harvest and forage fresh produce. They will work on dishes that will later appear on the London menu, whilst also offering a place for guests to escape the city and reduce pace, finding inspiration in the surrounding nature.
The local area is known for being some of the most agriculturally perfect, and feels like a natural home for Kirk, who began his career immersed in classical French cuisine, training at some of the most respected kitchens including The French Laundry in California and with Phil Howard at The Square, Mayfair.
Offering four-night retreats, the farm provides the perfect respite with seven luxury ensuite bedrooms, a pool, gym and sauna. A number of dining options are available, including dinner prepared by Plates’ expert team of chefs, who will allow guests the opportunity to sample dishes that are still in development, escort them on foraging trips and work alongside other guests to create their own dishes.
The farm's barn has been converted into an impressive kitchen space, a place for guests and chefs to cook alongside each other, or to relax in the evenings before retreating back to the main house.
The surrounding countryside will allow guests to wander the acres of greenery, find cosy nooks and hidden, private spaces to slow down. Through the curated retreats guests will have the choice of various creative workshops and sessions led by Keeley and also wellness initiatives including yoga, massages, ice baths and sauna sessions.
The Plates Farm has been completely and sympathetically renovated by Keeley and respected London-based design studio, Design & That, who also oversaw the London restaurant’s design.
Staying true to the Plates ethos, it will champion nature and will always have sustainability at its heart.
Back in London, the autumn also sees the launch of a collaboration with Anthony, who is known internationally for his prints and designs, combining a knack for simplicity with powerful and positive messages.
After meeting earlier this year, Anthony and Kirk connected on their mutual passion for revolutionising the world we live in and the way people perceive it, using their respective mediums; art and food, to amplify their message.
Anthony and Kirk have worked together to create a series of printed graphics on display throughout the restaurant, using all natural materials to strengthen Plates’ environmentally conscious approach to the restaurant. Each of Anthony’s prints will be available to purchase online, and from the restaurant itself.
Kirk and Keeley Haworth said: “We are so pleased to announce the launch of the Farm and Retreat, offering a new type of Plates experience deep in nature.
“Designed to encourage people to slow down and unwind, the retreat programmes will be centred around our passions: nature, creativity and of course cuisine.
“We are also so excited to be working with Anthony on some beautiful artworks.”
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Plates launching Farm and Retreat in France
