Newly opened restaurant Chapel Chophouse & Bar has agreed a two-season sponsorship deal with Stony Stratford Football Club, supporting the club’s first team as it establishes itself within the local community.
The agreement comes just weeks after Chapel Chophouse & Bar opened in September, following the transformation of the historic former Calcutta Brasserie premises in Stony Stratford.
The restaurant, which occupies a former chapel dating back to the 17th century, has become an official first-team sponsor, providing support for the club over the next two seasons.
For joint owner Leigh Strathearn, the arrangement is part of a wider commitment to building relationships with local organisations and businesses following the restaurant’s opening.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be supporting Stony Stratford FC for the next two seasons. Since opening Chapel, we’ve received such a warm welcome from the local community, and we feel it’s incredibly important that we give something back.
“Football clubs like Stony Stratford FC are at the heart of local communities. They bring people together, create opportunities and give people something to be proud of.”
The sponsorship brings together two organisations with a particularly close geographical connection. The restaurant’s historic building is a neighbour to the football club’s ground, something club chairperson Damon Brown believes makes the arrangement a natural fit.
“We are delighted Chapel have chosen to sponsor our First Team and support our Club in this way.
“Sponsorship is a wonderful way for local businesses to support our teams and also for us to promote fantastic local businesses to our footballing community.
“The historic Chapel building is a neighbour to our grounds so it is a perfect local partnership.”
The agreement is among the first community partnerships announced by Chapel since its opening on September 17, when more than 300 invited guests attended a launch event marking the completion of the building’s refurbishment.
The restaurant has retained the character of the former chapel while introducing a contemporary dining space, with a menu focused on steaks and other freshly prepared dishes, alongside cocktails and live entertainment.
Leigh, who is also involved in other Milton Keynes hospitality businesses, said the aim was to establish Chapel as part of the town beyond its restaurant operations.
“We don’t just want Chapel to be a successful restaurant; we want to be a business that genuinely contributes to Stony Stratford and supports the people and organisations that make this town so special.
“We’re really looking forward to building a fantastic relationship with the club, supporting the players and hopefully celebrating plenty of success together over the next two seasons.”
The restaurant is also looking to develop relationships with other local businesses, charities and community groups as it builds its presence in Stony Stratford.
