Pop-up restaurant Knife and Fork is a tempting treat in Deddington

Young, a self-proclaimed ‘obsessive’ cook, has been serving perfectly presented gourmet food to huge acclaim in Bicester’s first pop-up over the past year.

Now in Deddington some of her first guests enjoyed a Valentine’s night extravaganza at the weekend.

“I promised guests no heart shaped puddings, no out-of-season strawberries because they’re heart shaped, no red or pink dishes, no rose petals and no Lionel Ritchie singing Hello in the background (great as he is),” said Young.

“Pop-ups and home restaurants are very popular but still found mainly in major cities. Diners were becoming tired of the whole corporate image of restaurants where ‘on trend’ dishes are served all over the country with a lack of authenticity or individual style.”

Young and her husband, John, welcome guests into their beautiful home on certain weekends each month.

“The menu is always a surprise and many diners say they enjoy not having to make decisions. They bring their own wine,” said Young who is happy to discuss the menu beforehand for wine choices or dietary needs.

The set menu allows Young to decide on dishes based on the best seasonal ingredients. She is passionate about sourcing the very best meat, vegetables, fish and poultry.

On her return from six years in France and Singapore, experiencing different cuisines, Young decided to train at Ashburton Cookery School Professional Chef’s Academy under top professional chefs.

On arrival each guest receives a welcome drink and canapés, five courses followed by complementary petit fours with tea and coffee.

Everyone sits together -the events are often described as professional dinner parties.

“Going to a pop up restaurant has been on my bucket list for a long time. The food was truly sensational, so tasty, so pretty. Every course left me excited about the next one. Tanya is so talented,” said Valentine’s guest Gilly Webb.

www.knifeandforkeatery.co.uk.