A COUPLE’S decade-long ambition to take over one of Winchester’s most historic buildings will come to fruition this week.

Winchester residents Mark and Eleanor Dodd will welcome customers for the first time to their new venture, Inn the Park, in Abbey Mill.

The owners of The Chesil Rectory have transformed the building in Abbey Gardens after celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall closed his River Cottage Kitchen last year, which previously inhabited the space.

Mark and Eleanor in the wine room. Image: KDK Film

Mark and Eleanor in the wine room. Image: KDK Film

Speaking to the Chronicle, Eleanor said: “It is a bit of a dream come true for us. My husband Mark viewed it 10 years ago and loved it, but it was a huge project.

“When River Cottage closed, we were then able to reconnect with this amazing building.”

Since taking on the building, the couple and their team have been working to overhaul every inch of the restaurant.

“We have just given it a complete transformation; it really was a pared-back concept [at River Cottage] and we have spent a lot of time and energy just trying to soften it up.”

The makeover has accentuated the building’s ambience, giving the historic site a fresh design and brand-new concept.

“I really want Abbey Mill to come back as that anchor in the park that people to go to. It just feels like for many years it has become slightly forgotten,” Eleanor said.

“We want to bring a bit of fun and give back into Abbey Gardens so that this building becomes part of the community again.”

Inn the Park will open in Winchesters Abbey Mill. Image: KDK Film

Inn the Park will open in Winchester's Abbey Mill. Image: KDK Film

Mark added: “We’ve been working behind the scenes for months on this project and we’re now ready to open in spring. It’s so exciting to be the new custodians of this incredibly historic site.

“We’ve seen our kids grow up here on this park and have spent many a summer picnicking in these lovely gardens. It’s our intention to bring a bit of joy into the park and get Abbey Mill back to the heart of the community.

“We want to have fun and breathe new life into this famous spot, offering a thriving creative hub for food, drink, art and events ‘Inn the Park’.”

Inn the Park will open in Winchesters Abbey Mill. Image: KDK Film

Inn the Park will open in Winchester's Abbey Mill. Image: KDK Film

On the ground floor of Abbey Mill a “family-friendly grill restaurant offering rotisserie dishes, waffles and casual all-day dining” has been created, which will be transformed in the evening into a grill serving meat, fish and local produce.

Guests may be kept occupied in the adjoining mini arcade, complete with video games, Hampshire larder, merchandise, and decks.

Inn the Park will open in Winchesters Abbey Mill. Image: KDK Film

Inn the Park will open in Winchester's Abbey Mill. Image: KDK Film

Upstairs, is a new stylish new café and bar, which in the evening transforms into a low-lit bar serving key keg wines, cocktails and craft ales. Along with the upstairs bar, there will be wine room featuring a selection of wines with a lounge space and a retail bottle shop.

On warmer days, the outdoor terrace will offer all-day dining overlooking the park, alongside an artisan coffee cart will provide takeaways all year round.

The second phase of the project will see an array of local collaborations and exhibitions with students, artists and designers. In the final phase, the top room will be developed into a training academy for apprentices and students of hospitality.

From Friday the restaurant will be open for takeaways and on April 12 it hopes to open its terrace, depending on Government guidance.

For more information, go to www.innthepark.co.uk, search Inn the Park on Facebook and Instagram.