A dream come true

Having taken over Henlys Bar & Restaurant earlier this year, Sean and Amy Hailwood are already doing things a little differently.

With more than 30 years of combined experience in hospitality and catering, husband and wife team Sean and Amy Hailwood make a formidable duo. Amy, having completed a degree in advanced hospitality, knows a thing or two about the everyday running of a restaurant, while Sean’s creative flair and extensive experience working in all kinds of kitchen environments is reflected in Henlys’ ever-changing menu.

“We like to keep things seasonal and we’re constantly refreshing the menu.”

On taking over Henlys in May this year, Amy tells me: “After more than 15 years working in the industry, you think you’ve seen it all, but actually now we own our own business, we have so many more responsibilities, responsibilities you don’t even take into account even when you’re working as a manager in somebody else’s restaurant!”

But, she continues, “It’s what we’ve always wanted to do. For years now, we’ve been putting plans in place and discussing themes for menus for when we eventually get our own place, and now we can actually live that dream!”

All produce on the menu is as local as it gets. Sean loves to experiment with the menu, explaining: “The menu is a work in progress every single day. We like to keep things seasonal and we’re constantly refreshing the menu. The diner’s experience is at the heart of everything we do here, part of which is offering them something new each time they return!”

Henlys is perfect for everyone, whether you fancy popping in for a coffee, enjoying two cocktails for £10, or a full, three-course meal. Amy explains: “Everyone can come and enjoy Henlys. We’ve made the place much more couple friendly, and we’ve room for groups who want to come and celebrate a special occasion.”

Finally, I ask them what we can expect as we move towards Christmas. “We want to offer customers a quality Christmas venue. We’re hoping to host live music and on New Year, we’ve booked the Sparkle Bar! As far as food goes, however, we’ve got some ideas up our sleeves but it’s going to be a surprise, so all I can say now is watch this space!”