Three AA Rosette fine dining restaurant announces closure
THOMPSON, a Three AA Rosette fine dining restaurant in the heart of St Albans, headed by award-winning chef Phil Thompson has announced its permanent closure.
The last service at the restaurant will take place on October 18.
Before THOMPSON
Growing up in Dagenham, Phil’s mum, nan and uncle were all chefs, so he had a lot to live up to. His first job was washing pots in Uncle Mick’s kitchen.
This gave Phil an excellent grounding in the trade, as he learned by tasting everything his Uncle Mick cooked. In the school holidays, Phil’s mum showed him how to cook when he worked for her in the kitchens at Ford Dagenham. It’s no surprise then that Phil and his sister both went on to become chefs.
Prior to opening THOMPSON, Phil Thompson spent over a decade at Auberge du Lac, rising from sous chef to executive head chef. His earlier career included time with L’Escargot and the Galvin brothers - experience he credits with shaping his classical foundations.
Opened in November 2013, THOMPSON built a loyal following for polished, seasonal cooking delivered in a relaxed setting across a series of cottage-style dining rooms in St Albans.
The Hertfordshire restaurant is recognised for its quality ingredients, creative dishes, and head chef Phil Thompson.
The St Albans team were awarded their 3rd AA Rosette in September 2017.
Now, after 12 years Phil took to social media to share news of the closure.
He said: "It is with great sadness that after 12 years, we will be closing the doors to THOMPSON St Albans. On behalf of myself and the team, I would like to thank everyone who supported and grew with us over the past 12 years. Our regulars became part of the Thompson family, which meant the world.
"To all our staff past and present, thank you for all your hard work. It wasn’t always easy, but you truly made
THOMPSON St Albans a chapter in my life that I will always be very proud to remember."
A similar post on the fine dining part of the restaurant's website read: "It’s farewell, but not goodbye…. I have already had the pleasure of cooking in the homes of some of our guests as their personal chef for the evening. Please book me for your special event, and I look forward to seeing you again very soon!"
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