Restaurant 1861

Husband and wife team, Simon and Kate King, run restaurant 1861 in Cross Ash, near Abergavenny. Simon, one of the rising stars of the culinary world, began his career with the Roux brothers at their fabled three Michelin star restaurant, the Waterside Inn at Bray.

Simon then became Martin Blunos’ right hand man at the famous two Michelin star Bristol and Bath restaurants, Lettonie. While working with Martin, Simon was trained in the importance of food provenance, and how simple, seasonal ingredients treated respectfully create the best culinary experiences.

His career path then led him to Monmouthshire and Llansantffraed Court Hotel, where he took up the reins as head chef, and where, most importantly, he met his wife-to-be, Kate, who was the hotel’s wedding co-ordinator. Kate has a wide experience working in some of the finest restaurants in this famous foodie corner of Wales, and together, she and Simon make the perfect team at 1861

They are committed to providing excellent food at reasonable prices, and to serving produce with a local provenance and as few food miles as possible.

In fact, the majority of fresh vegetables used at 1861 come from Kate’s father’s nursery in nearby Nantyderry, ensuring that the time between harvesting and cooking is kept to a minimum.