Order is restored down Hollyoaks way next week as the show’s signature restaurant The Hutch is back in business, with Tony Hutchinson (Nick Pickard) back where he belongs.
The iconic eating establishment, as viewers know, closed down over three years ago (four years in the show’s universe), with the McQueen clan subsequently making the building their home.
Tony later took over The Dog In the Pond, becoming landlord of the legendary pub alongside wife Diane (Alex Fletcher), but while he’s right at home serving drinks, it’s safe to say that the village has never quite felt the same without The Hutch.
It seems that Our Tone felt the same as he acquired the building once again during the Channel 4 soap’s ‘missing’ year and next week The Hutch re-opens for business.
As if the re-introduction of the eatery isn’t enough reason to get excited, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s comeback will also reunite Tony with his right hand man Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson).
No, you’re crying.
The duos paths haven’t crossed much in the past few years but that’s all set to change, with Ste donning the apron once again, which proves to be the dose of nostalgia needed as Hollyoaks approaches its 30th anniversary.
But it’s not just looking back as the new era of The Hutch will also see Ste joined by son Lucas (Oscar Curtis), with Tony’s new girlfriend Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) also getting in on the fun.
Discussing the return of The Hutch, series star Kieron said: ‘For me Tony in his chef’s clobber running around The Hutch while chaos ensues around him is a big part of Hollyoaks! So the fact it’s back and with a chic new look, makes me very happy.
‘Plus, just like it’s always been Ste is right beside him as his surrogate son slash bestie slash protégé…. and this time around Ste has brought his son Lucas on board. Making the new era Hutch almost generational.
‘I’m sure we can get Dee Dee or Ro waiting tables and really make it a family affair…
‘I hope the audience love the nostalgia of the restaurant as much as we have loved having it back.’
