A NEW restaurant is opening in Cuckfield.

Johnny Stanford until recently was head chef at The Half Moon Kirdford and previously set up the critically acclaimed kitchen at Pascere in Brighton.

He is now to open a new restaurant, No.1 Broad Street, in Cuckfield.

Stanford has more than 16 years of experience in Michelin starred kitchens and is poised to bring his unique brand of produce led modern British food and relaxed fine dining to the village.

No.1 Broad Street is an early 19th century building with lots of character and atmosphere.

It features three interlinked rooms which will offer a relaxed and intimate dining experience.

The team intends to bring a whole new culinary experience to the area, a historic building, with a modern kitchen and contemporary décor run by young professionals.

In partnership with him is owner Philip Bunn who was formally trained at the Park Lane Hotel, Ritz and later the Intercontinental Hyde Park, will be managing front of house and brings a wealth of experience to the table.

On the restaurant, Stanford said: “I’ve found a great partnership with Philip.

“This is an opportunity to cook the food I’m passionate about and have dedicated my career to.

“We intend to create no-holds-barred dishes, and create a unique and memorable experience to wow our guests.”

Philip said: “I am really excited about No.1 Broad Street.

“I was classically trained back in the 1980s and worked alongside some household names, but I always had my own ideas on how a fine dining restaurant should work and I am looking forward to putting this into practice.

“I think Johnny and I will be a great team and bring a new dining experience to the village of Cuckfield and the Haywards Heath area.”

The 42-cover restaurant and private dining will open for service Tues-Sat on 26t March.

For bookings and enquires visit www.1broadstreet.co.uk or email bookings@1broadstreet.co.uk

The Half Moon, Kirdford is situated at Glasshouse Lane, Kirdford, Billingshurst.

A spokesman said: “We are a country pub, restaurant and kitchen garden where the local guests are the heartbeat of the pub. Honest, organic and home from home are just some of the values we hold close.”