Puro restaurant in Clevedon, Somerset, is relaunching as an ambitious destination restaurant with MasterChef the Professionals runner-up Tommy Thorn on board as co-owner.
Originally launched as a neighbourhood spot in 2017, Puro closed down in April last year as a result of the industry’s staffing crisis, before reopening earlier this year.
Founders Dom and Alex Lamy have now joined forces with Tommy to “reimagine” Puro on a more elevated gastronomic level as a “sought-after destination” for diners from Bristol, just 20 minutes away, or as a stop-off for foodies travelling down the M5 to restaurants in Devon and Cornwall.
Dom said that many chefs use a strong run in MasterChef as a launch-pad for pop-ups and one-off dinners. “We’re really pleased that Tommy has put his knife on the chopping board here with us. He knows what he wants and is here as a part-owner, which shows his intent.”
Tommy has worked in leading restaurants including Five Fields and Frog by Adam Handling in London and Thornbury Castle and Lucknam Park in the West Country, and was head chef at Somerset’s Ethicurean until it closed down last year.
Dom reckons Tommy is very much “one to watch as a chef – at 28 years old he’s the perfect age, with the right combination of experience and ambition to really make his mark and start winning awards”.
Tommy said he was delighted to take on a new concept with Puro. “I’ve been talking with Dom for a long time now and we both have the same vision and goals when it comes to providing great food and service. We’ve got some really exciting ideas and can’t wait to get stuck in and push to provide the best hospitality to the local area.
“I feel like it’s time that I take something hands-on as my own and I love the opportunities that Puro has as an established restaurant. I’m keen to serve my food based on local and seasonal produce as well as influences from around the world which I find exciting.”
Tommy’s full vision will be unveiled on May 8, with Puro switching to a small-menu format with a choice of three starters, three mains and three desserts for £49 a head, alongside a pricier tasting menu.
The Lamys also run the Vintage & Vine bottle shop and bar upstairs from Puro, and Escala tapas bar overlooking Clevedon’s seafront and pier.
