A NEW restaurant, bakery and wine shop is set to open in Somerset.

Former Soho House group director, Ben Crofton and his wife Vanessa, will be launching the new business venture this autumn in Somerton.

The businesses will open in grade two listed building at 28 Market Place, which is currently being renovated and refurbished as part of the project.

The 80-seat restaurant will serve an Italian-style menu, as well as Sunday lunch.

The Market Bakery next door will supply the restaurant with a range of pastas, breads, pastries and cakes.

Somerton Wines will offer the customer a selection of 150 choices which feature on the restaurant’s wine list.

Mr Crofton has managed some of the world big name restaurants including The French Laundry, Gordon Ramsay, Los Angeles and Phil Howard’s The Square, London.

Most recently he worked as director of Babington House and Soho Farmhouse for the Soho House Group.

Mrs Crofton brings experience to the project having worked for Nancy Silverton at Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles as well as the award-winning Clementine bakery before joining Gordon Ramsay where she and Ben met.

Mr Crofton said: “We wanted to create a neighbourhood restaurant and bakery which focused on Italian inspired food using the finest ingredients prepared simply.

“A place that offers a unique experience while fostering a sense of community.”

The investment behind 28 Market Place Ltd is local entrepreneur Adam Norris.

Mr Norris has had success in business investing in start-up companies through Glastonbury-based company Horatio Investments.