A decorated chef has launched a new venture in Raynes Park – in the unusual venue of an interior design store.

Mark Kerrigan has a vast amount of experience in the kitchen, previously working at the Royal Automobile Club, Michelin-starred Gavin at Windows and Harrods, and he has now launched a weekly fine dining night at Absolute Abode in Coombe Lane.

Kerrigan, who attended Raynes Park High School and grew up in Wimbledon, said he is looking to use his experience to help Absolute Abode create the ‘best restaurant in Raynes Park, one that everyone knows about.’

Last week’s launch night was a full house, he said.

After leaving his role as head chef at a vineyard in Dorking, Kerrigan was eager to take over a small restaurant.

He was offered the opportunity to become head chef at Absolute Abode, and transform their cafe into a fine dining restaurant, something which he said he saw as a ‘great challenge.’ 

He said: “It’s local so it’s easier for me but at the same time it is a big challenge, so if I can get this right then it could be very rewarding.”

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Kerrigan changed Absolute Abode’s usual cafe menu to include foods better suited to fine dining. He created a two course menu and a three course menu, adding foods such as grilled supreme chicken, chargrilled swordfish and a salmon starter.

He was keen to strike a good balance between quality food and food people want to eat.

He said: “At the moment, I want to produce simple food presented well and then build from there.”

Guests at the launch night were greeted with live music from Ross Lorraine.

Absolute Abode is holding its fine dining night every Thursday evening. There are plans to extend the fine dining events to Friday evenings. Go to absoluteabode.com