HUSBAND and wife Ben and Vanessa Crofton are teaming up with Great British Menu finalist Dan Fletcher and senior sous chef Matt Heeley to launch a new restaurant, bakery and wine shop.

28 Market Place opens in a collection of restored 17th and 18th Century buildings in Somerton on Friday, January 3, offering produce from the West Country and further afield with a modern European menu.

Mr Crofton said: "Opening our own concept has been a dream of mine and Vanessa’s ever since we met, and so when we found 28 Market Place we knew it was the perfect space for us.

"It really has been a labour of love bringing the old buildings back to life and establishing a team we’re proud of, so now can’t wait to open the doors in January.

"We hope it becomes a place where you can have a quick coffee or pastry from the bakery in the morning, catch up over a few glasses of wine or spend an evening with family and friends in the restaurant.

"We’re excited to have Dan on board as his food and cooking style perfectly reflects what we want to achieve with 28 Market Place."

Head chef Mr Fletcher said: "Since making the move to Somerset, I have been so inspired by the impeccable produce being grown and reared across the West Country.

"I’ve spent the last few months seeking out the very best this region has to offer, to develop a menu that lets those ingredients shine."