A MICHELIN-star restaurant that provides a “unique dining experience” has moved into the site of a former seafood business in north Essex.

Owned by Ben and Sophie Crittenden, Stark is an award-winning restaurant which opened in Broadstairs, Kent, in 2016, and has relocated to East Road in West Mersea.

It’s first night of service was held last week.

The husband-and-wife duo decided to make the 113-mile relocation cross-country as Sophie grew up in the area, and this building has more seating available than its previous 12-seat restaurant.

The pair built Stark into a destination dining spot and the new iteration is now based at the former site of Seafood at Dawn which announced its plan to move from the site in 2023.

Seafood at Dawn was opened by Paige Bennett and her business partner Steve Prosser in January 2020, and the popular business announced it would be moving to a new premises.

before - Paige Bennett outside the building when it was Seafood at Dawn in East Merseabefore - Paige Bennett outside the building when it was Seafood at Dawn in East Mersea (Image: Steve Brading)

Now based in Coast Road, West Mersea, Stark has moved into the site and completely transformed its exterior.

Now painted black, two previous windows near its front door have been removed, Stark signage is now on a wall, and flowers have been added to the front to breath new life into the building.

Stark offers seasonal six-course tasting menus and diners can expect £90 set menus which can optionally be accompanied with a wine flight for £55 from natural wine aficionados, Les Caves de Pyrène.

Sneak peek - an example of the decor inside StarkSneak peek - an example of the decor inside Stark (Image: Stark)

Exciting - The owners of Stark, Chef Ben and Sophie CrittendenExciting - The owners of Stark, Chef Ben and Sophie Crittenden (Image: Stark)

A spokesman for Stark said: “Their motto is 'good food, laid bare' and the new restaurant offers the same pared-back décor and skilled flavour combinations using seasonal ingredients.

“As Ben says, 'if it’s not in season, it has no flavour and no right to be on the plate'."

Prior to opening Stark, Ben worked at the Michelin-star restaurant The West House in Kent, where he cut his teeth working with rockstar-turned-Michelin-chef Graham Garrett, before competing in MasterChef: The Professionals in 2014.

Stark does not cater to allergies or dietary requirements due to the set menu, with Ben personally preparing all dishes.

Stark is open for dinner, Wednesday to Saturday, from 6pm to 8.30pm by reservation only.

To find out more, head to starkfood.co.uk.