American smokehouse comes to Drayton as restaurant revamps menu

A NEW look has come to a Drayton restaurant – as chef David Beedle has taken over the kitchen.
David Beedle and Joanne Upton have come back together in the world of food - now at 'Baba Ganoush' in Havant Road, Drayton. Picture by: Malcolm Wells.David Beedle and Joanne Upton have come back together in the world of food - now at 'Baba Ganoush' in Havant Road, Drayton. Picture by: Malcolm Wells.
David Beedle and Joanne Upton have come back together in the world of food - now at 'Baba Ganoush' in Havant Road, Drayton. Picture by: Malcolm Wells.

Baba Ganoush, in Havant Road, opened last July serving world cuisine.

The business is a joint venture between manager Joanne Upton and Kaz Miah, serial restaurant entrepreneur who is also behind the Red Lounge Group, which owns Kassia, Purple Mango and Palash.

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It took over the former Red Lounge restaurant and saw a refurbishment.

David Beedle - now at 'Baba Ganoush' in Havant Road, Drayton.
Picture by:  Malcolm Wells (190501-8011)David Beedle - now at 'Baba Ganoush' in Havant Road, Drayton.
Picture by:  Malcolm Wells (190501-8011)
David Beedle - now at 'Baba Ganoush' in Havant Road, Drayton. Picture by: Malcolm Wells (190501-8011)

However, Joanne said that customers had been missing Red Lounge, so they decided to approach David Beedle, the former head chef, and get him to join the team.

Joanne said: ‘He happily agreed and we have him on board, so we will be giving the customers the Red Lounge vibe they asked for. Our menu is now Red Lounge meets American smokehouse.’

David said: ‘I’m really excited to join Kaz and Joanne at Baba Ganoush.

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‘They have built a great foundation and I’m looking forward to bringing the Red Lounge style back to Drayton.

‘My passion is in quality food at affordable prices.

‘We will be smoking our own meats and giving the area the something special that it needs.

‘I’ve been a chef for many years and worked in many establishments and now I’m ready to grow roots and build something for me and my partners to be proud of.’

Joanne said: ‘I worked with Dave at Red Lounge and admired his ability, we’ve always made a good team so bringing Dave into Baba Ganoush was a no-brainer.’

The restaurant is open from midday every day offering a special priced lunch menu. Kids eat free every day from midday until 6pm.

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