Lee Smith launches Kickstarter to fund new venture, Lovage

Lee Smith is planning to open a restaurant in Bakewell, Derbyshire, and to this end he has launched a Kickstarter campaign aiming to raise £30,000.

His Kickstarter page explains that while he has found the perfect location and venue, the project needs "a little help getting over the line."

"Whilst we have covered the cost of purchasing the existing business with hard-earned savings, the next challenge comes with a pricey start up fee to buy equipment and redecorate to reflect Lee’s style."

"Not only are we limited with our funds for the next step, but we will also be limited with time. Once we receive the keys it will be all hands on deck, with family and friends with an aim to open the doors in April 2020, just in time for Summer!"

The restaurant, it reads, will be unpretentious, offering "delicious and simple food without the fuss," utilising local produce and supporting surrounding business, "bringing together a community over the love for food. Our hope is to complete our team with local employees and fit out the restaurant with neighbourhood suppliers and craftspeople."

The chef, formerly of Samphire in St Helier, Jersey, took part in Great British Menu 2019 and led the Jersey college team through the Heat competition, before announcing his departure in June. 

He left with the sole intention of opening a restaurant closer to his Nottingham home. 

Contrary to the popular confusion about Kickstarter campaigns - with chef Gary Usher, who has raised record sums for several of his restaurants - all the money pledged is repayed in the form of rewards. 

Rewards at Lovage will include a set lunch for two, a ticket to attend a chef guest event with chef Paul Foster, chef Adam Reid or master sommelier Amar Boudjaoui, a day in the kitchen at the newly-launched restaurant, a home dining 5-course experience for 6 people and the exclusive use of Lovage restaurant for 30 people, including a 3 course meal for each guest.