Cirencester chefs Sam Edwards and Jak Doggett are to return to their home town to open their latest bar and restaurant experience.

Known to most simply as ‘the inseparable’, Sam, 32 and Jak, 28, have been running the Firehouse at Upton near Burford for the last three years.

In that time they have taken it from a buffet to a destination dining hotspot, regularly booked out and doing over 150 covers a service.

They have taken the site of the former West Cornwall Pasty Shop in Cricklade Street and have plans to transform it into a three-storey breakfast, lunch and dinner venue completed with its own bar simply called Sam & Jak.

Coming to a town high street is not something that is daunting Jak.

“We are both originally from Cirencester so it has always been our goal to open somewhere here, a venue that offers something a little different, modern contemporary dishes in the style that we have developed,” he said.

“Fresh produce, fresher flavours and served all day.”

Sam had previously worked and trained at the Manor House Hotel in Moreton-in-Marsh while both then went on to work with renowned chef Bob Parkinson of Bibendum, London, David Thompson and a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner in his own right best known locally for running Made By Bob.

The pair also run an outside catering business and cook for private clients as well as events and have launched their own range of sauces to complement their barbecue and smoked food offerings, sweet chilli, sriracha, ketchup and a salad dressing.

“We should be ready to open up in November,” Sam said.

“There is a lot to do but we are really looking forward to getting stuck in to the new venture.”

For more information on Sam & Jak call 01993 823612 or visit theuptonfirehouse.com