The Old Granary: New Again

The restaurant, which is now called The Fearrington Granary, reopened June 16 with a new menu, new hours and a new bar.

R.B. Fitch, Fearrington's developer, says he wanted to create "something that was more of a casual eatery with a price range people would be comfortable going back to many times." Plus, the restaurant will give guests staying at the Fearrington House Inn another dining option.

The restaurant had tried serving dinner before, but Fitch says it never worked out. He says they've got the right formula this time, and he's been happy with the results so far. "It seems to be off to a good start," he says.

The Granary's new – and vastly expanded – menu is moderately priced with an emphasis on fresh, grilled food. Colin Bedford, executive chef at the Fearrington House, created the menu. He says he wanted to do something completely different from the food at the AAA Five Diamond Restaurant across the village.

"It can't be another Fearrington House," he says. "There is not another Fearrington House. I wanted it completely different … more of a neighborhood gathering place with good price points."

He describes the menu as "not frou-frou at all," and he recommends that first-timers try the decadent Farmhouse Burger (a mixture of chuck, short rib and brisket, all ground in-house). "With the pork belly and the fried egg, it's just ridiculous," he said.

Sandwiches, like the fried oyster po’ boy and the Granary BLT, range in price from $9-$14.Main plates, like the twice‐baked goat cheese souffle, buttermilk fried chicken and shrimp and grits, range from $12-$19. Items from the grill – like salmon and a variety of steaks – come with two side items and range in price from $17-$30. Dessert selections, $5-$7, include creme brulee, passion fruit and meringue pie and homemade apple pie and vanilla ice cream. There are also a variety of small plates and salads available at lunch and dinner, as well as at the bar.

Editor Andrea Griffith Cash says the truffle and Parmesan French fries by themselves are worth a visit. She also recommends the mahi mahi and the lemon and berry posset, a deliciously tart pudding-like dessert from Bedford's native England. Bedford gives it a Southern touch by serving it in a small Mason jar. To take a look at the entire menu, click here.

Fearrington's wine/beverage director, Max Kast, selected wine and draft beer pairings for the menu. Prices include $4 pints and $5 glasses of wine.

There have been physical changes in the restaurant, too. A new bar, designed by John Lindsay, has been installed, and you'll notice a new tan-and-olive paint scheme.

The Fearrington Granary will be open for lunch Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. It will reopen for dinner on Monday-Saturday from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The bar will be open Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., and brunch will be served on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Reservations may be made online via Opentable or via phone at 542-2121.

Check out our slideshow of photos of the setting and the food.