Solihull chef in new partnership with luxury hotel
Award-winning chef Rob Palmer has announced a new fine dining venture as part of an exciting collaboration with Hogarths, the renowned luxury hotel in Solihull.
Rob (pictured) has been wowing diners since 2022 at his restaurant Toffs, in the heart of Solihull, showcasing his passion for seasonal and sustainable cooking with a twist of both modern and classic techniques.
Now Rob will be taking his skills - along with his talented team - to the surroundings of Hogarths Hotel - the acclaimed hotel, wedding, conference and events venue nestled in 27 acres of countryside in Dorridge.
Rob said: “I’m delighted to be joining Hogarths, a name synonymous with luxury and outstanding quality. Since launching Toffs, I have received such warm and encouraging support from the community and I am proud of everything we have achieved. It’s now time for the next step and a new challenge, and I look forward to showcasing Toffs at Hogarths, combining two shining examples of Solihull’s hospitality scene.”
Rob will oversee the hotel’s full kitchen team, bringing his distinctive style to its popular Brasserie Menu, Afternoon Tea Lounge Menu and its Sunday Lunch offering. The new Hogarths brasserie menu will be available from 28 May, running for both lunch and dinner services.
In addition, Rob will be relocating the current Toffs, with the official launch of Toffs at Hogarths, a new fine dining experience, opening in September. He leaves on a high after he was recently awarded three AA Rosettes; one of just 16 restaurants across the country to achieve the coveted accolade this year.
Rob added: “Guests can look forward to the same ethos that Toffs has become known for, with different menu offerings to suit any occasion as well as a brasserie option. Hogarths’ three counties menu aligns beautifully with my passion for British and ethically sourced produce, and I will be crafting an offering that reflects that, giving diners a truly memorable experience.”
Forging this new venture are owners Helena and Andy Hogarth, who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their successful hotel business. It has grown from a luxury eight-bedroom and restaurant offering, to a 49 room venue – with a further 11 due to be completed in July 2024. It hosts a wide range of conference and banqueting events, luxury weddings and afternoon tea provision.
Helena said: “We have been well aware of Rob’s success and are avid admirers of his flair for food and service, as well as his personality and passion for British cooking. Our Three Counties menu is something we are extremely proud of, celebrating the best produce from Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire. This enables us to offer guests something a little different every time they visit, as the flavours change with the seasons and mirror the wonderful landscape on our doorstep.”
Having successfully achieved the first Michelin Star for Solihull in a previous hotel restaurant, Rob’s current Toffs menu has luxurious dishes including asparagus with smoked roe and wild garlic, and cod, scallop and lobster with salsify, chervil and Champagne.
Helena added: “The decision to work together with Rob felt like a natural step to take, to really drive our menus forward and bring together our combined knowledge of the industry to offer a further enhanced experience to our loyal and new customers."
Toffs restaurant will close on Saturday 4 May with Rob and team relocating from Tuesday 7 May. Any restaurant vouchers can be used until this date and will then be honoured at the Toffs at Hogarths location from September. Those with restaurant bookings and deposits at Toffs will be contacted directly by the team for next steps. Guests are encouraged to visit Toffs ahead of their closure and enjoy a taste of what is to come at Hogarths.
For more information visit the Toffs website or the Hogarths website.
