Chris Emery runs the new restaurant concept Crazy Bear in Stadhampton

The Crazy Bear Hotel in Stadhampton will launch OAK by Chris Emery in January 2025, the hotel group’s first new restaurant concept in over a decade.

The brainchild of CEO Tom Etridge and Chef Chris Emery, OAK features 42 courses and “innovative, ingredient-led” dishes inspired by Emery’s extensive culinary career.

OAK’s menu showcases seasonal and locally sourced British produce, such as steamed brill with scallop, fennel, celery and green curry dressing, and salted salmon with smoked cucumber, nori and salad dressing.

Emery brings a wealth of experience to OAK, having previously worked at world-renowned establishments such as the three-Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in Bray and Jason Atherton’s Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social.

Emery said he and the team have “created a space and a menu that focuses on letting the seasons guide us.”

OAK’s launch comes just months after Crazy Bear Group announced plans to seek new investment to develop its offering and expand its portfolio.

The Crazy Bear Group, which also has a hotel in Beaconsfield, is working with Savills to secure new funding for the company. The group seeks suitable long-term capital through financial partners.

Crazy Bear Stadhampton, the first hotel under the Crazy Bear brand, opened in 1993. The property is a restored and renovated 16th-century inn with 23 individually decorated bedrooms, five of which are located in the Garden House.

The hotel also has a bar, outdoor terrace and meeting and event facilities that can accommodate up to 250 guests, as well as parking spaces for up to 100 cars.