Osip 2.0: Inside Somerset’s New Farm-To-Table Restaurant

Farm-to-fork has become a buzzword in the culinary world in recent years, which has somewhat diminished its meaning. Yet Osip, a rural restaurant-with-rooms in Somerset, is an example of a project that’s really taking the concept to heart.

The brainchild of Merlin Labron-Johnson, the eatery initially opened in 2019 within the Number One Bruton hotel, going on to secure a Michelin star. Now, the restaurant is reopening as a standalone, within an 18th-century building near North Brewham which was previously owned by Hauser & Wirth. So what can we expect from Osip 2.0?

Merlin Labron-Johnson To Relaunch Osip

Open for bookings from 20 August, Osip 2.0 will continue to champion the produce and artisans of Somerset. The menu will be hyper-seasonal, changing in line with the climate rather than the traditional harvest calendar, with the majority of ingredients grown on two farms nearby. It will also incorporate wild foraged ingredients and surplus fruit gifted by the local community.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Labron-Johnson said the opening menu will be ‘simple, pared-back, focusing on the quality of the details.’ Think herby broths, beetroot tacos and crudités of farm vegetables – plus the return of his signature cheese course featuring homemade fruit bread and truffle.

Alongside this, diners can enjoy wines from small-scale growers, alongside ciders including Osip’s own, made with apples native to Somerset.

Bruton-based architecture studio Bindloss Dawes has created Osip’s new look, focusing on upholding the history of the venue while adding a cosy, homely feel. There’s an open kitchen, and features made by local artisans – such as a countertop from Somerset-based woodworker Max Bainbridge. 

Labron-Johnson has plenty of experience in new launches, having already opened five restaurants – including the Michelin-starred Portland in London. He has some exciting plans for Osip 2.0: in September, four bedrooms will launch there, and a chef and artist residency programme is on the cards for next year.

Find out more and book at osiprestaurant.com