TV chef Max Halley and business partner Ethan Davids have opened their second pub together, The Sam Weller’s in Bath.
Mr Halley, who owns renowned North London cafe Max’s Sandwich Shop, and publican Mr Davids acquired the venue on Upper Borough Walls in the city centre earlier this year.
It follows last year’s launch of the duo’s first venture The Five Bells in Salisbury, Wiltshire, where Mr Davids grew up.
Mr Halley, who is also based in Wiltshire and grew up in Somerset, went into business with Mr Davids - who also runs South West pub group Chickpea - to open traditional venues, in a move away from the food-focused, gastropub model.
The Sam Weller’s will stock some bar snacks such as crisps and scotch eggs, with customers encouraged to bring in food from other local eateries to eat with their drinks.
The interior of the pub has also had a makeover with the addition of contemporary artwork, dark blue colour palette, cast iron tables and pub stools. Velvet banquette seating and street side tables and chairs outside the front of the pub have also been added.
Mr Halley and Mr Davids said they are looking to add more pubs to their portfolio, and are hoping to put the focus of pubs “back to everything we used to love about our local”.
Mr Halley’s first cookbook Max’s Sandwich Book’ became a Sunday Times top ten bestseller, while he has also appeared on ITV’s This Morning and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.
Like this story? Why not sign up to get the latest South West business news straight to your inbox.
