The Hoopers to leave Eight at the Thatch

1 May 2008.  The BBC, Raymond Blanc and Jane and Jeremy Hooper, the winners of the acclaimed BBC 2 series ‘The Restaurant’, have announced that Jane and Jeremy have decided to step down from the business known as Eight at the Thatch, which opened in November 2007.

“We feel very disappointed that this hasn’t worked out.  We feel that we did not have the chance to make our concept work in the environment of a pub,” said Jane and Jeremy Hooper.

“Having said that, we were thrilled to win the prize and we have learned a lot.  It has not proved possible to continue at Eight at the Thatch but we have not lost our dream and still plan to start our own restaurant before too long, probably in our home county of Cornwall."

Raymond Blanc said, ”Jeremy and Jane worked very hard to make a success of Eight at the Thatch.  I am happy that we were able to give them this chance and delighted that they have gained the experience and the confidence to start a new business.  The past year has been very rewarding and I have enjoyed working with Jane and Jeremy.  I would like to congratulate them on the birth of their son Joseph and wish them the very best for the future.”

Peach Pubs, founded by Lee Cash and Hamish Stoddart, who were involved at Eight at the Thatch as business consultants, will run a pub at The Thatch, following their award-winning gastropub style.

The BBC said,” We wish Jane and Jeremy every success in the future.  Their flair and commitment made them admirable winners of the first series.”

Series two of ‘The Restaurant’ begins filming shortly, for transmission in the Autumn.