Following a £1.8m crowdfunding campaign, Martin William’s M Restaurants brand has been rolled-out to the ‘burbs – a move, he says, has been driven in part by Brexit as well as commuter demand for decent dining on their doorsteps. The Twickenham branch of the restaurateur’s luxurious steak and seafood restaurants opened on 11 September. It is a more casual offering that M Restaurant’s City and Victoria  offerings (M Threadneedle Street, M Victoria Street) but still offers a similar menu of top class beef and a range of wines on tap.

Martin Williams and executive chef, Michael Reid, teamed up with rugby star, Simon Shaw MBE, to launch a new venue – M Bar & Grill at Brewery Wharf, opposite Twickenham Station, overlooking the River Crane and moments from the world-famous rugby stadium.

“M Bar & Grill is our neighbourhood offering,” says M CEO, Martin Williams. “Trends have evolved over the last few years and there is now a real demand from commuters who want London dining tastes met where they live. Until now their choice has been gastro pubs, high street chain restaurants and Michelin-starred restaurants. M Bar & Grill is a response to commuter-belt demand and the growth in the quality casual dining market. In many ways, it is also a response to Brexit. Since Brexit, costs have increased 20% due to the devaluation of the pound and price inflation. This has motivated us to create something we have always wanted – to offer an entirely British experience. Every element of food, every ingredient, is British sourced. As M Bar & Grill develops as a restaurant brand it will retain this commitment to British produce.”

M’s British beef is selected from Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland, mainly from the O’Shea family farm – 8th generation butchers. M Bar & Grill also serves Highland Wagyu, alongside home-grown herbs, fruits and vegetables.