Yesterday, F&D posted that Science Hill Inn has closed. That is the case: the Gill family decided that with the continuing medical needs of Chef Ellen Gill McCarty, they could not renew the lease at the historic Science Hill property in Shelbyville. For a while they hoped that they might be able to continue, but that turned out not to be the case.
However, Science Hill, the historic complex that includes Wakefield-Scearce Galleries as well as the space that was Science Hill Inn, plans to renovate the dining space and reopen as a restaurant and lounge in the near future.
According to Patti Wilson, Chief Operations Officer at Wakefield-Scearce Galleries, the space that was Science Hill Inn will revert to its original name, and be called the Georgian Room. Ms. Wilson said in an email, “The Georgian Room will have many of the same menu items that diners have come to love at Science Hill Inn.” In addition, there is a space behind the present kitchen area that will be renovated in the style of a British pub. This will be called the Red Lion, and will serve pub fare such as soups and sandwiches.
Science Hill hopes to complete the renovations and reopen the dining spaces on the campus in the near future. Ms. Wilson pointed out that there is a strong commercial synergy between the dining availability and the galleries and shops in the rest on the campus.
In the meantime, the Georgian Room space, and the courtyard, are being used as party and event spaces, served by caterers. Search is on for a new chef who will oversee the final aspects of the renovation, and the new dining options.
