A NEW branch of restaurants have opened in Dorset which say they offer a casual but high-quality fine-dining experience.

Rock Restaurants opened up in Wimborne, on West Street, last month and are now looking forward to their latest offering, Rock Westbourne, opening its doors tomorrow, in a former church building.

The three people who make up the founding team of Rock Restaurants are Jonny Townsend, Nick Atkins and Jeremy Brown, who have more than 40 years of combined experience in the catering and events industry.

Nick, 33, from Highcliffe, has previously worked at the prestigious Chewton Glen in the New Forest and Pebble Beach at Barton-on-Sea, but he said the launch of their Rock business had been 10 years in the making.

He said: “It’s going really well at Rock Wimborne. Initially, it’s a bit of a shock for people when they come in, because this used to be an Indian restaurant, but soon they are loving it.”

He added: “As the owners, we’ve been around for 40 years, at the top end of the business, which we have brought to Rock Restaurants. So you have got the top service, food and wine, but without the pomp and ceremony.

“We have found places which are a little different and have a bit of character to them.”

Nick said that as much as possible, they sourced the food and drink locally, whether it is fruit and vegetables from the nearby greengrocers or the seafood caught by day-boat fisherman, it has come from within Dorset.

He added that they hoped to do their bit for the local economy, but it was about much more than making money, as they wanted to create a dining experience that is not just for special occasions.

He said: “I think the way to best describe Rock Restaurants is that we offer chilled-out perfection, alongside 5-star food, wine and service.”