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Inside Story...

NICOLA CONNOR
HASSENPFLUG HART
Sensory and Rye Déjà Vu
Hereford City Hereford City

We dig into how this former landscape The Herefoodie discovers how Connor
architect and urban designer combined Hart realised his cocktails and cuisine
her skills into a restaurant that serves dream and is about to add even more
the most vibrant dishes with a floral to the mix-ology…
flourish.
“Hospitality has been in most of my life,
Sensory and Rye first opened in Hereford starting as a chef at 16 and eventually
in 2016 and a few years later, having moving to bar in the coming years.
outgrown the original premises, moved I dreamed of opening my own restaurant
to a much larger property in the street and cocktail bar and Déjà Vu was an idea
opposite. Now, the vast windows of this from when I was about 18 or 19. The name
urban style eatery showcase a light, bright, and meaning behind it just stuck with me.
open space buzzing with foodies indulging
in a uniquely curated menu that is anything After numerous hospitality jobs I set it up
but ordinary and certainly a ‘sensory’ in 2017, initially through local restaurant
experience through its vibrantly coloured pop ups and weddings. I worked a few
(naturally not artificially) ingredients. different jobs Monday to Friday over the
next 3 years to help fund Déjà Vu and get
Dive into a hearty breakfast/brunch menu the brand awareness out there, and in 2020
like the Rye Fry but also with wholesome opened our beautiful little premises on
elements if you prefer your eggs poached St Owens Street!
and your avocado on sourdough. Lunches
brim with nutrition including piled Buddha There are lots of avenues I want to branch
Bowls but which can add a naughty portion into with Déjà Vu, embracing mine and the
of fish in the lightest batter amongst other team’s creativeness. Delays have slowed us,
drooly specials and delicious, sweet treats as we opened during Covid-19 and straight
including a new decadent waffle menu. after a recession. Excitingly, our next project
will be an RTD (ready to drink) range of
The spaciousness works well for everyone cocktails, launching later this year. You can
from mums with prams to business chats follow that journey on Insta -
and in the evenings converts into a @dejavudrinksuk “
fabulous cocktail lounge where the party
can really start. Which one piece of hospitality business
advice have you found most useful?
As one diner extoled “This is a modern Always take the time to employ the right
slice of understated glamour, coffee people in their field of work and look after
served in style and food that is just too them the best you can.
darn good”.
thedejavueffect.com
sensoryandrye.co.uk

20 Herefordshire’s BEST FOOD & DRINK GUIDE