ON BROAD STREET by

Jacqui Priestley

A little over 2 years ago now, I spent ‘5 minutes with’ the team at CHALK - Ben, David and Craig, and, as they are quite literally ‘over the road’ from my offices on Broad Street I thought it was time that Wokingham Local caught up with them again and asked the question ‘What has the last 2 years been like for the team behind CHALK?

The extremely charismatic Ben, who is front of house at CHALK, explained that it has been a very busy time with Jacob joining the team, who now runs the Grasshopper bar which is their cocktail bar just around the corner on Rose Street. At Wokingham Local we have held our social networking events there this year, which I have to say have been fantastically hosted by Jacob, Ben and their team. Grasshopper goes from strength to strength and Ben explains that there will be more evenings of entertainment held there over the Summer months, so keep an eye on their website for further informationwww.grasshopperbar.co.uk

With chefs David and Craig at the helm, serving exciting menus from breakfasts all the way through to dinner, and private dining menus also available, I asked Ben “With all the competition which is so prevalent in Wokingham town centre, what is it that keeps CHALK so busy and obviously very popular with locals and visitors alike?’’

“There is always a warm and friendly welcome at CHALK from every member of our team”, Ben explains, with a big smile on his face. He really is one of the happiest restaurateurs I have ever known, so I can totally see why his guests return time after time. “We are currently recruiting and so we will be expanding our friendly team very soon, plus, our menus are built around fresh food which results in fresh and appetising dishes that our guests really enjoy,’’ he goes on to say, and there will be a Summer menu out soon, so do also keep an eye on the website for CHALK on Broad Street. www.chalkrestaurants.com

Another addition to the CHALK family is CHALK in the park, which the team added to their growing portfolio recently, located on Ively Road, Farnborough, just a few metres from the car park for Southwood Country Park, and on the edge of the park itself, CHALK in the Park is the perfect place for quality coffee, pastries and baked goods, lunch, afternoon get- togethers, long, cool summer drinks and more. Ben invites his guests old and new to feel free to drop in when visiting the park – or just drop in regardless! There will always be the signature warm welcome and delicious fresh food on the menu. www.chalkfarnborough.com

When I ask Ben ‘what’s next?’ for the team behind CHALK, he is emphatic that there is quite enough going on for this year at least, but with so much progress and expansion in the last 2 years I would say he has a winning formula, so “watch this space!’’

Stefan’s vast range of sausages are handmade on site, from traditional to unusual classics and are all gluten and dairy free. The wide selection of meats are available to be prepared ‘anyway you like it’, so if you like leaner pork chops, larger sirloin steaks or butterflied and marinated legs of lamb, just ask for it. There are ‘pies to die for’ and ‘new’ beef kebabs, sausages, chicken, steak, pork chops, burgers and more for a very special summer barbeque with friends and family.

Stefan’s Butchers has been at the heart of Wokingham for many years, being a modern interpretation of a traditional High Street butchers, sourcing its produce locally, sustainably and responsibly.

Call in to see Charlie at Stefan’s Butchers at no 4 Denmark Street in the centre of Wokingham for inspiration as to what cut of meat to choose, and Charlie can offer advice as to the best way to cook it,and even recommend something you may have not tried before - maybe his special pork roast with crackle (see page 30) for the perfect Sunday lunch!

Charlie aims to source only local free range meat from British farms meaning the journey from farm to plate is both sustainable and environmentally aware.

Open Tues to Sat, Charlie looks forward welcoming you to Stefan’s Butchers and your advance orders can be placed here -