First target reached! Stretch target: £85,000
What Extra Support Will Help Us Do Thanks to your generosity, we’ve raised enough ...
Tern - Growing into the Vision
Worthing, , United Kingdom
Aim: Tern has rooted. It's time to grow into a fully independent restaurant. Hyper seasonal food, killer cocktails & a unique space to gather.
Tern: Building a Home for the Vision
65K - 100% FUNDED IN 36 HOURS
STRETCH TARGET 85K
RAISING THE BAR to 85k
We’ve raised enough to reopen Tern - now we get to aim to do it properly!
More funds means local makers, greener systems, better training, and deeper community roots.
We want to build something that lasts.
WHO ARE WE?
Since opening in 2023, Tern by Johnny Stanford has stood for something different. A love letter to British produce. A celebration of sustainability. A vibrant, hub where guests feel a genuine sense of belonging. From day one, our open kitchen on Worthing Pier has been a space where memories are made, flavours are unexpected, and every detail matters. It was the most incredible place to launch Tern, but now the inevitable time to move on has come. With your help, we’re ready to take the next step: to create a permanent home for Tern and for everyone who believes in what we do.
WHAT WE DO
Having already acquired 2 AA Rosettes, and been listed in the Michellin Guide, Tern is renound for its refined, ever-evolving tasting menus that celebrate the depth and character of British produce. Chef/director Johnny Stanford is passionate about sourcing every ingredient exclusively from within the UK, selected at peak season through close relationships with farmers, fishermen, and foragers. These ingredients, whether humble or prized, are transformed using a blend of classical and modern techniques into precise, expressive dishes that honour their origin and flavour. Alongside the food, our drinks offering is equally distinctive: a carefully curated selection of all-British wines, spirits, and cocktails which shine a spotlight on the country’s most exciting producers. From plate to glass, everything at Tern is rooted in integrity, creativity, and a deep belief that extraordinary dining begins with simplicity, care, and a strong sense of place.
WHAT COMES NEXT
Tern has proven its strength in flavour, service, and atmosphere, and now it's time for the space to match our ambitions. We're seeking to expand into a larger venue that allows the full expression of our concept: a restaurant spread across two distinct but harmoniously connected levels, each with its own character and experience. Split over two floors, upstairs, we will install a fully open kitchen, and create a dining space which emphasises natural materials and texture, with thoughtful lighting bringing it all to life. A warm, open, and inviting space to watch the kitchen in full flow and enjoy ingredients at their peak. Downstairs, things get darker, richer, and a little more unexpected, with our dedicated cocktail bar, inviting you to stay late.
This expansion comes from necessity, but is an absolutely huge opportunity to fully realizing the identity of Tern, giving each part of the guest experience room to breathe, and creating a place that feels layered, lively, and loved.
THE VISION
We’ve found the perfect property, in the perfect location — a space that could become everything we’ve dreamed of and more. But it needs work. A lot of it.
To realise the full potential of this space, we’re raising £130,000. We’ve already secured £65,000 in investment, and now we’re asking for your support to raise the next £65,000 to bring this vision to life. These funds will allow us to build a fully equipped commercial kitchen including extraction, install a dedicated cocktail bar, and transform the venue into a true destination, rooted in community and ready for the future.
WHAT MAKES TERN SPECIAL?
Tern isn’t just a restaurant. It’s an ethos. A movement. A celebration of what’s possible when you put purpose before trend.
• All-British ingredients, from hyper-seasonal veg to sustainable fish and rare-breed meats, all produced within the British Isles.
• A unique wine, spirit, and cocktail list made entirely with British producers.
• Every element made from scratch, every dish telling a story.
• An environment designed to feel joyful, creative, and connected.
• A dining room with an open kitchen and a full cocktail bar, built for sharing moments and making memories.
We believe in cooking with conscience, building with intention, and making people feel part of something meaningful.
WHY IT MATTERS
This isn’t just about building a restaurant. It’s about investing in Worthing, in its culture, its independent spirit, and its future. Our town has embraced us, and we want to give even more back: more flavour, more community, more soul.
The stakes are high, but the opportunity is bigger. With your help, we can expand what we offer, create even more memorable guest experiences, and strengthen our place in Worthing’s thriving hospitality scene.
YOUR ROLE IN THE STORY
We’re inviting the community, both local and further afield, to be part of this next chapter. Whether you’re a regular at Tern or someone who believes in thoughtful, sustainable hospitality, we’d love you to join us.
By contributing to our campaign, you’re not just donating, you’re building something lasting, and becoming a part of our story.
THE REWARDS
To say thank you, we’re offering an incredible range of rewards, created with care and intention - just like everything we do. We are collaborating with our local network and closest partners to add some extremely limited and exclusive rewards to our tiers.
Our rewards fall into 4 categories - expect meals, merch, experiences and a bespoke collection. Expect to find -
• Exclusive dining experiences
• Invitations to preview nights and behind-the-scenes masterclasses
• Your name on our Founders Wall, proudly displayed in our new home
• One-of-a-kind merchandise, hand printed locally by HelloDODO - aprons, tshirts, tote bags and more
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference - and every supporter becomes part of something permanent.
LETS BUILD IT TOGETHER
Tern was born from a simple idea: that great food, made with integrity, has the power to connect us. That idea has grown into something beautiful, and now it’s time to give it a home to match.
Let’s build a space that celebrates people, produce, and possibility. Let’s make Worthing even more extraordinary. Let’s do it together.
Support the Tern journey and be part of something truly original.
HOW FUNDS WILL BE USED
We’ve found the perfect venue, and planning is already well underway. With your support, we can create something truly special: a space that reflects who we are, what we believe in, and the kind of experience we want to share with our community.
Here’s exactly how your contribution will help:
- Fit-out costs
From the all-important open kitchen to every last detail of the space, your support helps fund the essentials like furniture, lighting, tiles, flooring, and fixtures. It’s what turns four walls into a welcoming restaurant full of energy, atmosphere, and purpose. - Equipment
To deliver the kind of food and drink you’ve come to expect from us, we need the right tools. That means essential kitchen and bar equipment, including fridges, prep stations, and specialist appliances that help us work efficiently and sustainably as we scale up. - Design & branding
We want to work with brilliant local creatives to bring the Tern identity to life - through menus, signage, print, digital, and every detail in between. Staying true to our ethos, we’re sourcing thoughtfully and supporting independent, skilled makers throughout the process. - Opening stock
From seasonal ingredients to beautiful wines, spirits, and small-producer goods, your pledge helps us stock the shelves and cellars with everything we need to launch with intention, generosity, and craft. - Licenses & logistics
There are practicalities too—licenses, inspections, setup fees, and the final pieces of red tape that let us open legally and smoothly.
Every single pledge brings us closer to opening our doors and welcoming you in. Whether you’re able to give £25 or £1,000, you become a vital part of this story. You’re helping us build not just a restaurant, but a place that brings people together. We can’t wait to welcome you in and raise a glass with you soon.
THE SPACE
Tern will grow in to a two-level restaurant and cocktail bar designed to reflect its ethos of conscious creativity, functional beauty, and sensory experience. Each floor offering a distinct yet connected atmosphere, celebrating contrast in tone, texture, and energy. Together, these two levels tell a unified story, one of texture, soul, and purpose, where every detail serves to deepen the guest experience.
UPSTAIRS
The restaurant level is light, minimal, and rooted in natural elegance. A calm, neutral palette is layered with warm woods, black accents, and tactile materials. The space features statement lighting and a clean, modern aesthetic anchored by an open kitchen, allowing guests to feel fully immersed in the culinary process. It’s a place of quiet theatre, where grains and ferments are on display, and every design element, from curved leather seating to tiled surfaces, is considered for both beauty and function. The environment is honest and grounded, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to British ingredients and thoughtful hospitality.
DOWNSTAIRS
In contrast, the dedicated cocktail bar is darker, moodier, and full of character. It’s an eclectic, loft-inspired space with low ceilings, curated art, and a raw-yet-refined energy. Rich textures, tile accents, painted concrete floors, and bold furniture choices create an intimate, layered atmosphere. Statement lighting and mixed seating invite connection and spontaneity. The bar champions all-British spirits, wines, and cocktails, offering a drinks experience as distinctive as the setting.
MERCH ELEMENT - ROOT / RISE
In support of our Crowdfunder campaign, we’re launching a limited range of merchandise designed to support and celebrate this journey. Each design has been thoughtfully developed to reflect our values, and every item directly contributes to bringing our vision to life. Whether it's something to wear or share, this collection is our way of saying thank you for being part of the beginning.
ROOT / RISE reflects the journey we’re on. One that begins with intention, care, and community. This phrase represents the heart of our restaurant, grounded in seasonal rhythms, sustainability, and thoughtful design, and rising through collective effort and belief. Every seed needs soil. Your support helps us put down strong roots so we can grow into the space, the team, and the experience we’ve envisioned. This isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a movement toward something better, one that begins at the ground and reaches up, together.
FULFILMENT
We are absolutely over the moon to be partnering with local screen printing legends helloDODO to fulfil the merch element of our crowdfunding campaign. Every T-shirt, sweatshirt, bag and apron will be hand printed, on ethically and ecologically sourced garments, right here in Worthing.
Tern is about more so much more than what we do, it’s rooted in how we do it. We could’ve chosen remote fulfilment or the cheapest materials, but that goes against everything we stand for. Every decision is intentional, made to reflect and elevate our values. When you buy a T-shirt, you’re not just buying a T-shirt, you’re making a statement. You’re backing a way of being, a set of shared principles we believe in deeply. This collaboration and merch range champion those values, not just in message, but also in method. Each purchase directly supports a network of skilled, independent makers and business owners who bring this vision to life with us.
YOUR SUPPORT
Your support will allow us to grow Tern into a two-level restaurant and cocktail bar rooted in seasonal food, thoughtful design, and warm hospitality. In return, we’ve created a set of rewards which reflect everything we stand for.
Whether you’re joining us for a workshop, brunching with friends, or simply hanging our apron in your kitchen, every tier brings you closer to the heart of what we’re creating. From beautifully designed merch to exclusive events and immersive dining experiences, each reward is a way to say thank you, and a way for you to carry a piece of Tern into your home or onto your calendar.
Every supporter, at every level, will have their name included on our Founders Wall, a permanent artwork inside the restaurant that honours the community who helped build it.
PASS IT ON!
Sharing our campaign is one of the most powerful ways to support Tern. Every share helps us reach more people who care about food, community, and independent hospitality.
Whether it’s a quick post on Instagram, a message in your group chat, or a mention in your newsletter, your voice helps us fly further. Tag a friend, tell your neighbour, or shout it from the seafront!
We’re building this with you, and every share helps bring Tern to life.
IN THE END
We’re so excited to welcome you into this journey. Thank you for believing in Tern.
From Johnny, Sophie, Radu, Em, Sam and Nancy
FAQs
- When will the restaurant open?
We're aiming to open Tern later this year, but exact dates depend on the build. We'll keep all backers updated every step of the way.
- When will I receive my reward?
Merch will be fulfilled after August 2025. Experiences and events will be scheduled once we have a confirmed opening timeline. We’ll reach out directly with booking options when the time comes.
- Can I buy a reward as a gift?
Absolutely. Just pledge as usual, and after the campaign we’ll send a form where you can add recipient details, personalised notes, and delivery preferences.
- How will I book my experience or event?
Once we're ready, you'll receive a link to choose from a selection of dates and times. Everything will be easy to manage - and we’ll be on hand if you need help.
- Can I choose sizes for clothing rewards?
Yes - once the campaign ends, we’ll contact you to confirm your size preferences for the tee, sweatshirt, and apron.
- Is shipping included?
UK shipping is included in all pledge levels that include physical merch. If you’re backing us from abroad, we may need to arrange shipping separately - just drop us a message.
- What is your founders wall? Our founders wall will be a unique piece of art commissioned to honour each one of our backers, and celebrate our community and our ethos
- Do I have to use my real name?
We’d love a record of each person who has contributed to bringing our vision to life. If you’d prefer to go by a nickname, or donate your name to another, that’s fine by us! We want the final piece to be a reflection of who we all really are. However we will not be able to include any word which may cause offence, nor any symbols or emojis.
- What if I have dietary requirements?
No problem. Whether it's brunch, tasting menus, or the private dinner, we’ll work with you to make sure the food fits your needs. Just let us know when booking.
- What if I can’t attend an event I’ve booked?
We’ll do our best to offer flexibility and alternative dates where possible. Just keep in touch with us, and we’ll find a solution.
- How can my business get involved with this campaign?
If you would like to support this campaign by collaborating with us, we’d love to talk. Email directly to [email protected]
- Is my pledge refundable?
All pledges are final and non-refundable, as they go directly toward building the restaurant. But if something unexpected happens, we’ll always be fair and transparent.
- Where is Tern located?
Tern is in Central Worthing, West Sussex
TERMS & CONDITIONS
By pledging to our campaign, you agree to the following terms:
1. Reward Fulfilment
All rewards are subject to availability and timelines, which may be affected by the build and fit-out of our space. We're committed to keeping you informed throughout, and we'll do everything we can to deliver each tier as promised.
2. Event Dates & Experiences
Events (such as the launch night, brunch, tastings, and kitchen experiences) will be scheduled and confirmed once we have a clear timeline for opening. All experience-based rewards will be redeemable through a booking system or a simple program where you’ll be able to choose from a range of available dates. We’ll give you plenty of notice, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferred timings.
3. Merchandise Fulfilment
Merch items (totes, aprons, tees, sweatshirts) will go into production shortly after the campaign closes. We expect to launch and begin fulfilling these from August 2025. All items will be posted or available for collection, depending on your preference.
4. The Tern Takeover (Private Hire)
The Tern Takeover is a bespoke experience available to just three backers. We'll work closely with you to tailor every detail - from the menu and wine to the soundtrack. Date selection will be handled directly and flexibly, in line with your availability and our calendar.
5. Changes & Cancellations
If we need to adjust a reward due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ll always communicate clearly and offer an alternative of equal value. If, for any reason, an event or experience can’t go ahead on a planned date, we’ll work with you to find a new one.
6. Non-Refundable Pledges
All pledges are considered final and non-refundable, as they go directly towards helping us build and launch the restaurant. We appreciate your understanding and support.
SUPPORTED BY:
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 1st August 2025 at 12:00am