Josh Eggleton to open Salt & Malt Tearoom and Fish Cafe

Josh Eggleton has taken over the lease for the Chew Valley Lake Tearoom near Bristol. He plans to expand its operation to create Salt & Malt tearoom and fish cafe over the coming months.

Chew Valley Lake is just a short walk from Josh’s family owned, Michelin starred gastro-pub, The Pony & Trap. Plans for the enterprise include creating a menu of fresh seafood and fish dishes to complement its waterside location. Dishes like whole grilled plaice, traditional fish and chips and half a pint of fresh prawns take pride and place on Josh’s menu. Josh said:

“This new venture is one in which my father, Chris Eggleton, and I have been working on with Bristol Water for over 12 months. “

We have plans to extend the opening hours and create a family friendly dining room, whilst working within the parameters of what is already running in the tearooms, just bringing a fresh dining experience to suit the location.” Josh added, “I’ve always loved fish and chips as it’s where I started my career; I worked in a fish and chip shop with Jerry Khoshtaghaza, who I’m proud to say is now my new partner in this venture.”

Josh’s career started at his local chip shop when he was 15 before becoming a Gordon Ramsay Scholar in 2003. He turned down the chance to work with the legendary Scot to return to The Pony & Trap and he has not looked back. In 2011, he won his first Michelin star and now he has set his sights on The Salt & Malt.

The team is passionate about creating a family friendly, down to earth cafe to put Chew Valley on the culinary map. Visitors to the lake can plan to see significant changes towards the end of 2014 and a grand opening by summer 2015.