Ex-Duck & Waffle Chef Dan Doherty Announces Takeover of Marylebone Pub

Chef Dan Doherty who confirmed his departure as executive head chef from the sky-high restaurant Duck & Waffle in the City in April, has announced that he will open a new restaurant in Marylebone this summer.

On Instagram, Doherty, who had been expected to announce a new project (in addition to the one he committed to in NYC last month), wrote that he had bought a pub — the Royal Oak, on York Street — subsequently telling Eater that he expects it to be open this month. “In a basic way,” he said. “Slowly slowly.”

In the original post he wrote that the pub would be closed until the 19 June, while he and his “mate” business partner, Andy Ward, install a new kitchen some “epic beers” and a new wine list. He also commented on the important role he believes pubs play in the community, which he says is behind the decision not to enter a lengthy refurbishment process. Although he hasn’t yet confirmed, it would be unusual were the food offering not to remain in line with what a modern British gastropub typically offers.

“Today, after a lot of bloody hard work, we completed on this beautiful pub. I can’t begin to describe how this feels. It’s not in the best state, but it has a beautiful soul, one that we wish to bring back to life through plenty more hard work,” he wrote.

“We have put every penny we have into this, along with some trusty friends, and it’ll take us a while to get it up and running but we will make this work. We have listed building consent to deal with, and maybe some operators would shut for that often lengthy period of time and reopen with a fanfare, but we aren’t going to do that.

“I firmly believe pubs are the anchors in a community; facilitating great times rather than dictating them. Because of that, we want to share our vision with our community. We want you to see it at its worst all the way through to its best. With everything in-between.

“I’m excited and proud, and so thankful to everyone that’s helped us so far. Now get me back in that bloody kitchen asap!”

Stay tuned for more details on the food and for confirmation on when it will open.