TV celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has announced his Winchester restaurant is set to open next week.

The recently refurbished Abbey Mill will open its doors to the public on Wednesday, September 24, as the newest River Cottage canteen, following a £1 million redevelopment.

Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall said: “As a beautiful and vibrant city, close to the West Country and already boasting a wonderful local food culture, centering around its great farmer’s market, Winchester is an obvious location for a River Cottage Canteen and the fantastic building we are moving into was the clincher.

“It’s such a special a place, right in the heart of the city. I can’t imagine a better location from which to showcase the fantastic fare from the region’s finest producers.”

The former 18th century silk mill, which dates back to Roman times, was previously used as a restaurant during the Second World War for servicemen.

It boasts produce from only local suppliers split across its four levels, including a private dining area, an open kitchen and a separate bar within its two-storey structure.

Meats and some vegetables will be sourced from such places as Uptons of Bassett and Laverstoke Farm while fruits and other produce will come from Brimfield’s of Winchester, Bellow’s and Secretts Farm. The flour will be milled to order from the City Mill and drinks will be sourced from Hill Farm Juices and Winchester Distillery.

Head chef, Mark Price, said: “It has been a wonderful job seeking out local producers for the new canteen. There is a wealth of incredible produce within the area and I am passionate about meeting the producers and hearing their stories.

“As the canteen opens, more and more small growers, breeders and producers will be discovered. We never rest on our laurels and our door is always open to new suppliers that meet our ethos.”

The restaurant will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to late, and from 11am-5pm on Sundays.

Lunch will be served from 12pm-3pm, dinner from 6.30pm and hot beverages, cocktails, savouries and cakes will served throughout the day.