By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Sassafras’s King Henry restaurant has long been a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, renowned for its cozy English-style charm and inviting atmosphere – this historic venue has been a cornerstone of the community for many years and, under new management, will continue to offer its warm welcome and cherished dining experience.
A few months ago, there was a wave of disappointment and concern when many customers and locals feared the beloved restaurant would close for good – but to their relief and excitement, King Henry’s has been saved and is now under new ownership of Judy Cheung-Wood and Jagdeep Singh – ready to continue its legacy.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have taken over King Henry’s in Sassafras, a place with so much history and meaning to this community. It’s been a beloved establishment for decades, known for its traditional English charm and inviting vibe,” Mr Singh said.
“Our goal is to preserve the things people love about King Henry’s, while introducing some new and exciting elements, like a mix of Indian dishes alongside the classic British fare.”
“We believe by combining these two vibrant culinary traditions, we can offer something truly unique and fresh. It’s a way to honour the restaurant’s legacy while bringing something new to the table. We can’t wait to welcome both our regulars and new visitors to experience this new chapter of King Henry’s.”
Judy Cheung-Wood, who has lived in the Dandenong Ranges since 2010, adds her personal connection to the restaurant.
“I’ve always had a strong attachment to this area, and with my husband being from Sassafras, it feels really special to be involved with King Henry’s,” Ms Cheung-Wood said.
“We’ve seen how important this place is to the local community, and when the previous owner decided to retire, we knew we wanted to take on the challenge of continuing the restaurant’s legacy. We’re here to keep the heart of King Henry’s alive while breathing new life into it.”
Since taking ownership, Ms Cheung-Wood and Mr Singh have been working hard to enhance the property.
“We’ve already made a lot of changes to the restaurant, like updating the landscaping, polishing the deck, and adding more lighting to brighten things up,” Ms Cheung-Wood said.
“These improvements are just the beginning, and they show how committed we are to preserving King Henry’s history while making it a welcoming place for everyone. We want people to see that we’re investing in the future of this place, and we’re here for the long haul.”
For both of the owners, it’s not just about serving great food – it’s about creating a space where people can make meaningful memories.
“At King Henry’s, we want to be part of life’s important moments,” Mr Singh said.
“Whether it’s a wedding, a birthday party, a special day out for seniors, or even a business networking event, we want to help people create those memorable experiences. We’re not just a restaurant – we want to be a place where guests feel at home and can enjoy the company of friends and family in a beautiful setting.”
The restaurant’s beautiful garden, which has long been a favourite for small weddings and events, is also getting some attention.
“People love the peaceful, serene atmosphere here, surrounded by the forest and birds,” Ms Cheung-Wood said.
“It’s a place where you can truly relax. We want to enhance that experience and create a space where people can enjoy a meal, connect with others, and make lasting memories. The garden has so much potential, and we’re excited to continue improving it so that it can be enjoyed by everyone – whether it’s for an event or simply a quiet afternoon out.”
With their new vision and a deep respect for King Henry’s history, Ms Cheung-Wood and Mr Singh are excited to continue to make it a cherished place in Sassafras for years to come.
