The Great British Experience Company (The guys behind The Great British Drive In, London’s Best Experience ‘The Murder Express’ & Alberts Cafe) are delighted to announce that in partnership with Staffordshire born Chef, Niall Keating they will be opening a new, modern dining experience; Lunar at Wedgwood.
As one of only a handful of chefs in the UK to currently hold two Michelin stars, Niall’s impressive career has earned him a reputation as one of the leading chefs in the country today – and he has only just turned 30.
A plethora of accolades already include BBC’s Great British Menu Champion of Champions 2020 and Michelin Young European Chef of the Year 2018.
Niall has quickly climbed the ranks by working in renowned kitchens across the world – including Restaurant Sat Bains (2*) in Nottingham, Benu (3*) in San Francisco and Kong Hans Kælder (1*) in Copenhagen.
He is currently executive chef at Whatley Manor Hotel in Wiltshire (The Dining Room (2*).
His distinctive cooking style, inspired by Korean, Japanese and French cuisines, brings a progressive and creative instinct to Lunar’s menu. Whilst a passion for sustainability encourages strong environmental and ethical standards across the supply chain and throughout the restaurant.
“I’m incredibly passionate about Staffordshire, it’s rich heritage and amazing local produce.
To have the opportunity to celebrate that whilst paying homage to the Potteries, all ten minutes from my hometown, is a dream come true.”
Although Niall will oversee Lunar, day to day the kitchen will be run by his head chef, Craig Lunn. Having known each other for over a decade, Niall and Craig have worked together in various kitchens throughout their friendship.
Most recently, Craig worked under Niall at Whatley Manor but his experience extends to Royal Hospital Road (3*), London and restaurants under Alain Ducasse in the Middle East.
Craig’s cooking takes inspiration from his travels and the menu at Lunar will reflect this whilst celebrating local suppliers and what the surrounding area has to offer.
“Ever since we met, Niall has talked about opening a restaurant near his hometown in Staffordshire. He is so proud of where he comes from, and it’s an honour to be given the responsibility of head chef at a place so close to his heart”.
The concept at Lunar is a modern dining experience that is centred around great food but reflects the rich history and heritage of the Potteries and the industrial revolution whilst celebrating a sustainable future.
Craig Wilkinson explained: “Our aim is to celebrate the revolutionaries that began such change with their meetings of minds, ideas and actions in the midlands, they are our inspiration. We aspire to add to their history while protecting our future through everything we do – from upcycling furniture to working with sustainable suppliers.”
Jemma Harrison, Head of World of Wedgwood, stated: “We are delighted to welcome Lunar to Barlaston. The restaurant space has been developed with incredible creativity and enormous respect for the heritage of the beautiful estate and the Wedgwood brand. The combined passion and experience of Niall, Ed and Craig brings something unique and very special to Staffordshire; it’s been a real privilege to be involved in this project, and I’m so excited to see the concept come to life at World of Wedgwood.”
As Craig Wilkinson further commented: “We are immensely proud to have Niall on board, and feel that with his influence, Lunar is destined to be a great success. We want Lunar to be something that Staffordshire is proud of - with a reputation and reach across the country and beyond.”
