A renowned Sheffield city centre restaurant is set to re-open its doors under new ownership.
Silversmiths, which famously went on to win numerous awards after being featured on Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares programme, has been bought by local businessmen Rick Bailey and Matt Ray.
The partners – which are promising “a bright and secure future for one of Yorkshire’s highest quality eateries” – have enlisted the help of the restaurant’s original owner Justine Rowntree to ensure they install the highest quality team in the restaurant’s kitchen.
The new owners have taken his advice and appointed Ashley Bagshaw as the new Silversmiths head chef.
The 23-year-old is already tipped for greatness and has presided over some of the area’s most renowned kitchens since he got his first chef de partie position at Sheffield’s Wig & Pen in 2011.
By 2015 he was already head chef West 10 in Ranmoor before his flair and creativity successfully retained the two rosette rating of Froggat’s Chequers in the Peak District.
The new owners have pledged to honour any deposits made by customers that were adversley affected by the restaurant’s sudden closure a few weeks ago.
Justin Rowntree said: “It’s fantastic news that Ashley Bagshaw has been appointed the head chef. He’s young, he has passion and I firmly believe he’s the man to take the Silversmiths brand to the next level.”
Silversmiths is set to re-open to the public on Saturday, October 12th.
Matt Ray said: “Silversmiths has built an unrivalled reputation as one of Yorkshire’s finest restaurants. We bring nearly 30 years experience in the hospitality and leisure industry and, with the help of Ashley Bagshaw and his team, are now looking forward to a bright future for this renowned eatery.”
Matt Ray has held senior positions at Gatecrasher, Bloo88 and Soyo. Rick Bailey runs the 150-strong IPM Group. He recently launched the thriving FirePit Rocks sports bar on West Street.
Paul Handley is the new Silversmiths general manager. He has many years experience working in bar/restaurants both in Sheffield, London and Australia.
