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Chef and founder of Acre restaurant group Will Devlin has announced he will launch Birchwood – The Conduit, bringing a café and wine bar concept followed by a restaurant to the sustainability-focused London private members’ club.
The café and wine bar will open at the Covent Garden venue this summer on 22 June, while the restaurant will join later this autumn.
Born from a strategic collaboration between Devlin, guest experience specialists Levy and The Conduit itself, the chef said the all-day dining experiences revolve around their combined values of “creativity, craftsmanship and conversations” that fuel social and environmental progress.
He added that the two locations are aimed at making sustainability “inspiring and deeply enjoyable” – driving forward the partnership’s dedication to providing memorable experiences that centre “people and the planet”.
Devlin’s culinary philosophy is based on “provenance, restraint and responsibility”, promoting seasonal menu items British farming.
Jon Davies, CEO of Levy, said: “We are proud to collaborate with Will Devlin and The Conduit, to bring Birchwood to the capital. At Levy, we are committed to working with visionary chefs who put the planet at the heart of the plate.
“By bridging the gap between independent, ethical farming in Kent and the vibrant energy of central London, we are creating a destination that proves sustainable dining can be accessible and deeply impactful.”
Devlin added: “Birchwood – The Conduit will grow from our core values of integrity, seasonality and sustainability – the pillars of everything we do at Acre and ones we share with our partners, Levy and The Conduit.
“Our food has a deep connection and respect for land, having farmed our own land at The Small Holding and Birchwood Taywell in Kent for eight years, while always pushing flavour and freshness to the forefront. We are excited to be bringing these values of independent, ethical farming and season-led cooking into central London.”
Paul van Zyl, co-founder and CEO of The Conduit, said: “With the opening of Birchwood – The Conduit, we’re inviting our community to pull up a chair at a truly sustainable table. Thanks to our partnership with Will and Levy, we are creating a soulful space with a menu that delights throughout the day in celebration of exquisite flavours.
“Uniting purpose and excellence, this carefully curated experience in the heart of Covent Garden is testament to our shared vision of making the most responsible choices the one we desire most, in surroundings that are both effortless and beautiful.”
