Historic building finds new life as Chapel Chophouse & Bar
Stony Stratford’s historic former chapel has been transformed into a new dining and entertainment venue. Chapel Chophouse & Bar celebrated its official VIP opening on Thursday evening.
The launch event welcomed over 300 invited guests. Attendees included the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Paul Trendall, alongside local business representatives and individuals who have followed the building’s renovation.
The extensive transformation project has revitalised the 17th-century building. Guests at the VIP opening experienced the venue’s restored features for the first time.
Evening of entertainment and first tastes
The atmosphere was enhanced by live music from a string quartet. Entertainment for the evening also featured fire breathers and a DJ. An interactive photo booth provided additional entertainment for guests.
Attendees had the opportunity to sample the new bar and restaurant offerings. The event provided a first look at the care taken to restore the historic chapel.
Leigh Strathearn, joint owner of Chapel, described the opening as the culmination of an “unbelievable journey.” He highlighted the significant hard work involved behind the scenes.
Strathearn expressed that seeing over 300 guests enjoying the venue made the effort worthwhile. He noted the incredible reaction to the new establishment.
The owners aimed to create something that both Stony Stratford and the wider Milton Keynes community could take pride in. Thursday’s event felt like the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Future plans and offerings
The VIP launch highlighted Chapel’s unique features. These include its striking historic architecture and atmospheric interiors.
The venue boasts a prominent raised bar and luxurious booth seating. Carefully designed dining spaces contribute to the overall ambiance.
Central to Chapel’s identity is its chophouse menu. The focus is on high-quality British dry-aged steaks. A curated selection of other dishes complements the steak offerings.
Chapel is intended to be a destination for both dining and drinks. It aims to cater to special occasions as well as casual visits.
In the coming weeks, Chapel plans to introduce a dedicated lunch menu. A children’s menu will also be launched.
Traditional Sunday roasts are set to become a significant part of the venue’s offering. This aims to attract local families and diners seeking a classic weekend meal.
Leigh Strathearn views the opening night as a major milestone. He emphasised that this is merely the start of the venue’s journey.
Further plans are in development to establish Chapel as a versatile location. The aim is to accommodate a wide range of occasions, from lunches and dinners to celebratory events.
The venue anticipates becoming a popular spot for drinks at the bar. It also plans to host events such as Christmas Day celebrations for families.
The response to Chapel so far has been overwhelmingly positive. The team is now looking forward to welcoming the general public.
This story is based on reporting by MKFM. Read the original coverage: MKFM