The lovely Grade II listed Abbey Mill building is to get the River Cottage treatment with the Winchester City Council’s  blessing who have posted this press release on their website:

The prospect of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s prestigious River Cottage restaurant in Winchester has moved a step closer as Cllr Keith Wood, the Leader of Winchester City Council, has signed the Portfolio Holder Decision Notice on redevelopment of Abbey Mill in Winchester.

This gives approval for the revised budget for refurbishment of Abbey Mill and the cost of advance works. The notice also considered objections to proposals to dispose of a small area of open space for use as an external seating area.

The refurbishment was approved by Winchester City Council’s Cabinet in July 2012. The Portfolio Holder Decision Notice is the next important step on the road, opening the way for a formal planning application.

Cllr  Wood stated that: River Cottage is one of the most inspiring names in food and it will be a tremendous coup for Winchester to play host to one of just a handful of restaurants run by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. The project means a new lease of life for an important historic building, annual rental income for Winchester, local jobs, business for local suppliers and another great reason to visit the city. River Cottage is not just another restaurant for Winchester – the company ethos brings support for apprenticeships and training locally too.

While most people will be excited by this prospect, there will be for a small number concerns about noise, nuisance and parking. These issues will be carefully and properly considered through the licensing and planning processes.

Rob Greacen, Managing Director of River Cottage Canteen & Deli, is recorded as saying:

This is a positive next step towards enabling us to sign the lease. Once signed, our intention is to engage with the local community, employing and working with local people to open at Abbey Mill. Winchester is a fabulous city with a rich heritage and a vibrant artistic and food culture and we very much hope River Cottage can be part of that.