Nashville veteran chef John Stephenson is putting the final touches on his first restaurant, Hathorne in Sylvan Park, and is set to open December 5 in the renovated former fellowship hall. Located adjacent to the former West Nashville United Methodist Church (now event space Clementine) at 4708 Charlotte Avenue, the new neighborhood restaurant and bar from the chef is a long time coming — 27 years to be precise.

Joining Stephenson at Hathorne are executive chef Joey Molteni (Deacon’s New South, Dino’s, Little Octopus), sous chef Trevor Miller (Otaku Ramen, Little Octopus), and GM Bob Harmon (51 North Taproom).

The menu beckons with countless plates created with the intent of being shared. Smaller plates like cripsy goat cheese, shaved Brussels, warn Napa cabbage, and roasted heirloom carrots are all meatless options, while meat-eaters can argue over seared annatto pork dumplings, spicy lamb, beef, and pork meatballs, and a grilled whole branzino with Ancho chiles and pickles vegetables.

Hathorne is a bright, welcoming space with ample seating and easy access to reservations for large groups. Original elements of the historic fellowship hall have been incorporated into the space — for instance, the dining room and bar are separated by a partition made from the original prayer rail, and pews have been repurposed as seating. The original beams in the drop ceiling inspired the color palette, while the gold and blue hues complement the natural light that streams through the many windows. The full-service patio is an extension of the restaurant, open during fair season weather.

Starting December 5, Hathorne’s hours will be 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 4-11:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.