Reza Amini, who founded the El Torito Mexican restaurant chain, has opened his latest venture – Henry’s Kitchen in Bridge Road, Hampton Court, Surrey – the first independent eco-friendly and sustainable restaurant in the Elmbridge borough of Surrey.
Drastic change over last 15 years
He has been in the restaurant business for over 15 years. “The food industry has changed drastically during that time,” he says. “It’s become more apparent that we have been affecting the climate and, following the horse meat scandal last year, I realised how concerned the public is about where their food comes from. This led me to join the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) and open my first sustainable restaurant. I am working with the SRA to achieve my goals and I want to inspire other restaurateurs to follow my example.”
Minimising impact on the environment
Henry’s Kitchen has been designed to minimise the impact on the environment. Rainwater is used to flush the lavatories. All the reclaimed wall cladding is sourced locally in Surrey. The table tops are made from reclaimed scaffolding boards from Brighton. Menus are printed on recycled paper by a local printer.
Where possible, all food comes from local suppliers. For example, honey from Reigate, cheese from Norbiton, coffee from Surbiton, free range chicken and eggs from Windsor and meat from the south east. Fish comes from sustainable fisheries in Britain certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.
Energy efficient equipment has been installed, as well as energy-saving LEDs. To support the local community, Henry’s Kitchen is donating 50p from the sale of a starter and 50p from the sale of a main course to local charity Princess Alice Hospice.
The menu at Henry’s Kitchen is a combination of modern British and Mediterranean dishes as well as British favourites such as fish and chips every Wednesday. It will be changed regularly to reflect what is in season locally.
Reza Amini is a well-known restaurateur in the area, as he also owns Square Olive, an Italian restaurant, in Hampton Court, Casa Nostra in Wimbledon and Clarence Brasserie in Windsor.
Henry’s Kitchen, 9 Bridge Road, Hampton Court
020 8783 1020
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