It was one of the most famous restaurants in the Bristol region and people travelled from across the country to dine there.
Bristol chef Josh Eggleton and his sister Holly opened the Pony & Trap 15 years ago and were awarded for their efforts in transforming the country boozer with a Michelin star in 2011. But when it reopens, it will do so under a different name and will serve a different purpose.
It will no longer be known as The Pony & Trap, it will be The Pony Chew Valley and it will be a cookery school, wedding venue and restaurant. Josh and Holly have been busy renovating the premises during lockdown and when it reopens it will look very different, reports Somerset Live.
READ MORE: I returned to Bristol steakhouse Bar + Block three years after saying I'd never eat there again
But the new business will be so much more than a restaurant. It is a beautiful setting in the heart of the stunning Chew Valley countryside with stunning gardens and terrace overlooking the Somerset hills.
It seems everything Bristol-born Eggleton touches turns to gold, he is building quite a little empire around the area, with two seafood restaurants, festivals and a bistro in Bristol. But The Pony & Trap is the mother ship, it is where it all started and no doubt the well known chef will have put a lot of thought into the new business.
Holly and Josh Eggleton opened The Pony & Trap in March 2011 aged 19 and 22 with the help of their parents Chris and Gail. The restaurant grew and evolved under the direction of the siblings, going from local pub serving lasagne and chips to eventually becoming a nationally acclaimed destination gastropub, maintaining a Michelin star for 10 years.
The Pony Chew Valley will have a totally different feel. A statement on the website says: "While coming to the decision to call curtains on The Pony & Trap was not an easy one, it certainly is a very exciting new beginning to re-imagine ourselves as The Pony Chew Valley.
"It is an emotional time, as the past 15 years were nothing short of wonderful, but one thing we are sure of is that the times ahead will be just as amazing."
Weddings will take place in a stunning marquee in the beautiful gardens and no doubt the food will be grown in the elaborate vegetable gardens.
The cookery school will also be very interesting, Eggleton is passionate about local food and produce having been born and bred in the area and sustainability is at the heart of what this growing business does.
The Pony Chew Valley is due to open in May 2022 and are already taking bookings.
While we will miss the great Pony & Trap, it was always a lovely drive out and spectacular food, it is great to see this new business opening up and we can always try the Eggletons' other restaurants around the area as well.
