Tony Parkin announces new venture as head chef of Noble Inns’ Brickmakers Arms in Surrey

Tony Parkin has spoken exclusively to The Staff Canteen about his new venture, Brickmakers Arms in Surrey after leaving Michelin-starred, Tony Parkin at The Tudor Room last month.

The opening date has been announced for Monday 15th August!

Tony had planned to take some time off but after the offer was highlighted by chef Simon Bonwick, he made the decision to take on the new project.

“Simon said it was an amazing opportunity and I should go and have a look at it. He introduced me to the owner Barry Weller and we just hit it off, we shared the same vision of the setting.

“I want to make my food more accessible,” explained Tony. “I’ll still be cooking in the same style as I was before but not in a fine dining setting. After three and a half years at The Tudor Room it was time for a change.

“The Brickmakers Arms gives me the opportunity to step away from the white table clothes and a hotel environment, people can come and eat with me as many times as they want now, not just for a special occasion. I want it to be somewhere people can go any day of the week.”

Diners can expect both an al a carte option and ‘small plates’ in the bar which Tony says will be ‘things you want to eat when you are drinking’.

“There are a lot of successful pubs around, so I want to find my niche and make what we do more individual- well that’s the plan!”

He added: “I just want it to be relaxed. Don’t get me wrong I love fine dining, everyone who knows me, knows that but it felt like the right time to do something different.

“The flavours of my food are not going to change, it’s just a change in dynamics.”

For now, he is working on building a ‘high calibre’ team ahead of opening and his aim in the future is to be a destination pub.

Commenting on the appointment, Barry Weller said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tony to the team. He brings extensive, hands-on experience in the fine dining landscape which will be invaluable in supporting our plans for the continued growth of the Brickmakers Arms and Noble Inns.”