Our Restaurant
A Place with History
Every building has a story, and we're proud to be the next chapter in the history of 12 King Street.
Dating back to the mid-18th century, our beautiful Grade II listed building has stood in the heart of Southwell for over 250 years. Originally built as a family home before later becoming a restaurant, it has welcomed generations of people through its doors and remains an important part of the town's rich heritage.
When we first viewed the building, we instantly knew it was where we wanted to bring Sage to life. Its character, history and charm perfectly reflected the kind of restaurant we dreamed of creating. Although we renovated the space ourselves before opening, we were passionate about preserving the features that make this building so special, allowing its history to shine alongside our own vision.
Today, Sage blends the character of a historic Georgian building with a fresh, contemporary dining experience. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of its story and hope that, when you visit us, you'll feel at home in a place that has welcomed people for centuries.
Our Suppliers
From Our Community to Your Table
At Sage, sourcing locally is at the heart of everything we do. By working closely with nearby farmers, butchers, bakers, growers and independent producers, we're able to support the local economy, invest back into our community and celebrate the exceptional businesses that surround us.
From our meat, sourced within a 10-mile radius, to artisan bread baked just down the road, British brewed beers, locally handcrafted spirits and carefully selected seasonal ingredients, every supplier has been chosen because they share our passion for quality, provenance and craftsmanship.
Everything we serve is prepared in-house by Connor, with care and attention to every detail. From sauces and desserts to garnishes and preserves, we believe the finest food begins with fresh ingredients and skilled craftsmanship.
We also take a thoughtful approach to sustainability, making full use of every ingredient wherever possible. Trimmings become stocks, surplus fruit is transformed into syrups or desserts, and every part of our produce is respected to minimise waste while maximising flavour. For us, it's about more than simply serving great food. We believe every ingredient has a story, and we take great pride in sharing those stories with our guests - whether it's introducing the man who caught the fish that day, the local baker preparing our bread each morning, or the independent distiller creating the spirits behind our cocktails. These relationships allow us to offer complete transparency, support fellow local businesses and give our guests a true taste of the community that makes Sage what it is.
Our Story
Sage began long before we opened our doors.
We first met while working together in hospitality in North Yorkshire, where our shared passion for exceptional food and genuine hospitality soon became a shared dream of owning our own restaurant.
When we relocated to Nottinghamshire, we both continued working in hospitality, but nothing quite felt like home. We knew we wanted to create something of our own - a place that reflected everything we love about dining out: exceptional food, genuine hospitality and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
When the opportunity arose to take on this beautiful building in the heart of Southwell, we knew we had to take the leap. With just one month to bring our vision to life, we completely transformed the restaurant ourselves. From painting and decorating to building furniture and adding the finishing touches, every detail was completed with care. In fact, the electricians were still fitting the kitchen the day before we opened our doors!
Despite the whirlwind, we welcomed our very first guests just one month after receiving the keys, and we've never looked back.
Today, Connor leads the kitchen, creating seasonal modern British dishes with a distinctive Sage twist, while Molly looks after front of house, ensuring every guest feels relaxed, cared for and welcomed from the moment they arrive.
Sage is more than just our restaurant - it's the result of a dream, a leap of faith and an incredible amount of hard work. We hope you'll feel that passion every time you visit.