about us

At the heart of it all are Simon and Carla Grayson, the husband-and-wife team who bring their personality and passion to every corner of the restaurant.

Simon runs the floor with warmth and wit, and brings a deep-rooted love of wine to the table. Having created wine lists for a hugely diverse range of establishments, from J D Wetherspoon, Turtle Bay, Hilton Hotels as well as restaurants owned by his friend, the acclaimed Marco Pierre White; he ensures each bottle on the shelf is carefully selected (tasted) and well-matched to the food.

His path here has been anything but typical—from farming in Central Africa to trading in Kenya, and eventually settling in Leicestershire where he’s managed a number of much-loved pub restaurants. It’s a background that brings a unique richness to The Monk’s spirit.

In the kitchen, Carla draws on over 20 years of experience to manage menus and create food that’s full of soul. A brilliant kitchen team led by Liam, our head chef sees sous chef Shea, backed up by Kai and Lewis. Everyone contributes to the menu - any ideas are always encouraged and the menu reflects a real family effort.

Together, they’ve created something special: a place that feels both familiar and unexpected, full of flavour, character, and the kind of hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.

They’re supported by a friendly, close-knit team who bring warmth, energy, and a shared sense of humour to the space. There’s an unmistakable feeling of family here—one that flows naturally from Simon and Carla’s down-to-earth, inclusive approach to hospitality. It’s the kind of place where everyone feels part of something, and guests pick up on it the moment they are greeted at the door.