A brand-new dining experience will open in Penarth, later this month, bringing with it a wealth of experience and local investment. ‘Hickmans’ is brought to you by Stuart Reid, Penarth local and investor, alongside Sean Murphy of the newly created Gastro Foods group. The introduction of Hickmans restaurant and bar is an addition to Gastro Foods’ existing South Wales portfolio, which includes The Sully Inn in Sully and The Old Swan Inn in Llantwit Major.
In 2022, Stuart acquired the previously occupied Blockbuster’s building on the corner of Windsor Road and Hickman Road, from which it takes its name. After the building remained unoccupied for some time, Stuart envisaged creating a bar and restaurant with elegance and a vibrant atmosphere for the Penarth audience. Stuart quickly engaged Sean to partner on the project overseeing the construction and complete refurbishment. The refurbishment has seen renovations from top to bottom, including a new rooftop terrace and a state-of-the-art kitchen, all finished with lavish features. There is a private function room for up to 40 people with an exclusive use option of the upper floors available for up to 150 people. Hickmans will offer a new and unique experience—a place that is earthy and soulful, perfect for all occasions and worthy of repeat visits.
Speaking of the venture and partnership, Stuart states:
I am thrilled to be bringing Hickmans to Penarth. As a local myself, I wanted to create a place that is affordable without compromising on quality or atmosphere. My main goal is for everyone in Penarth to feel welcome and to know that they can always expect a fantastic experience at Hickmans, with friendly faces to greet them.
Partnering with Sean for this venture was a natural choice. I have witnessed his success with the previous ‘Knife and Fork’ group and more recently Gastro Foods. After experiencing many of his past and present venues, it became clear to me that we should work together as a local partnership to bring Hickmans to life.
Sean, in his early career, previously worked under the likes of Gordon Ramsey and Marcus Wareing, speaking of the new venture, he comments:
Hickmans has most certainly been an incredible project to be involved with, we have essentially taken a derelict building and re-built it from the ground up. It will offer the ideal setting for all visitors, so we have carefully renovated and designed every aspect with this in mind.
We teamed up with a local designer and construction crew, mainly from Penarth, who take great pride in creating Hickmans for the town. We’ve made sure to include open front on the ground level to a balcony on Windsor Road or onto the street, as well as a rooftop terrace with a glass barrier to let in fresh air and make the most of Penarth’s proximity to the sea. Throughout the building, you’ll find beautifully crafted brass bars made in Hirwaun and stairs with bold, brass finishes made by Welsh fabricators. Our local and Welsh partnerships are very important to us. The restaurant offers a comfortable luxury atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings and elegant cocktail evenings alike.
The menu includes incredible dishes, and I will return to the kitchen weekly to prepare handmade lobster ravioli. Our Head Chef, Rhys Apreda, also has a signature dish of lamb ragu with parmesan espuma and not to be missed, we will also have a rotisserie for slow-cooked, fall-of-the-bone meats. You can get a real sense of how proud we, as the culinary team, are to bring this restaurant to life with exceptional quality food in a fantastic setting.
I am eagerly anticipating the culmination of this 18-month-long project and the opportunity to have everyone join us for their next dining experience. It will also be wonderful to see many of the Penarth locals and businesses celebrating with us as we achieve a new level of success together.
Cardiff has increasingly become more of a foodie destination offering a wide variety of options. However, Hickman’s in Penarth provides the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle while still being accessible. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to dress up and enjoy a new, elegant dining experience. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely lunch with friends or a memorable dinner experience, dining at Hickmans is a must for food enthusiasts and those who appreciate quality ingredients and local sourcing. The culinary offering at Hickmans is truly something you won’t want to miss. There will be signature dishes, but there will also be changes for those who wish to experiment each time they return – a foodie feast!
