De Grey’s, which was known across the world and included celebrity fans such as Keira Knightley, Stephen Fry and Robert Plant, is set to reopen under the same name by the end of August, new bosses have said.
The tearoom was thought to have shut its doors for good when owner Robbie Underhill called time on the historic business in January.
But in an unexpected turn, bosses at Tasty Plc, the chain restaurant company that has taken over the building, said they intend to keep not just the name, but also the traditional tearoom and bakery.
The decision was made because of the outpouring of love for De Grey’s from former customers which has convinced the company to keep it as close to the old style as possible – including the restaurant company operating a bakery and deli for the very first time – while still putting its own brand on the building.
Jonathan Plant, joint chef executive of Tasty Plc, said: “We’re going to retain the name De Grey’s but we’re going to use our own brand – it will probably be called Wildwood at De Grey’s.
“We’re going to continue the tea room theme at the front, with a bakery and deli, pretty much in the same style.
“We’re very, very keen to keep it in a similar style. At first we weren’t sure, but since we’ve taken over the site we’ve had so many letters of interest and sadness that De Grey’s had gone that we want to retain as much as possible.
“The big difference will be at the rear where there will be a kitchen doing our high-end pizza, pasta and grill menu.
