Chef Lee Westcott moves to pastures new

The master chef exchanges the buzz of the city for the bucolic charms of the Netherwood Estate

Chef Lee Westcott has left the bright lights of the city for fresher fields, having closed his Bethnal Green restaurant Typing Room to open new venture Pensons on the Netherwood Estate on the rural Herefordshire/Worcestershire border.

Beef tongue with turnip, chestnut and watercress

The 46-cover venue, opening on January 24, represents a partnership between Westcott – alumnus of Noma, Per Se and protégé of Tom Aikens and Jason Atherton – and Peta Darnley, who is a member of the family who owns the estate. Much of the produce, from the honey to meat and game, cider and fruit and vegetables, will be sourced from the kitchen garden and farms located at Netherwood.

A hearty main course of lamb, turnip, potato and onion

A delicious dessert of chocolate and beetroot

Diners can expect a fresh, innovative menu, from starters of lobster with apple, celeriac and seaweed, or beef tongue with turnip, chestnut and watercress; to main courses of lamb, turnip, potato and onion, or John Dory with cauliflower and Brussels tops. Desserts include chocolate and beetroot, or rhubarb with milk and honey. The tasting menu is priced £75 per person and the three-course à la carte dinner menu is £50. Alternatively, guests can select a two-course (£27) or three-course (£32) lunch.

Chef Lee Westcott in the grounds of the Netherwood Estate, which provides much of the produce used at the restaurant

Pensons is set within a series of converted 15th-century farm buildings, which retain many original features from exposed brick walls to weathered oak beams. The open kitchen is situated off the main dining area, while the private room on the upper floor will cater to parties of up to 14 people. Many of the finishing touches in the dining spaces – from the chairs to the knives – were made by local artisans.  

The restaurant is just a short stroll from The Hyde, a Grade II-listed medieval hall, which has been refurbished to accommodate bed and breakfast from Monday to Thursday. The entire house can be rented out at the weekend for groups of up to 20 guests.