South Staffordshire’s culinary scene has been boosted with the opening of a gourmet bar and restaurant following a £1 million investment by a packaging entrepreneur.
The Lesters Arms, in Brewood, is the brainchild of Billy Hutchinson, who runs large box packaging specialist Lesters, in Burntwood.
Over the past few months, he has transformed the derelict New Inns into a place that aims to be a destination venue for discerning diners and drinkers looking for a new level of personal service, imaginative dishes and a wide selection of craft beers, ales, and signature cocktails.
More than 20 jobs have been created as a result of the launch, including the high-profile recruitment of Head Chef Phil Jones, who brings with him a wealth of culinary experience working at Le Caprice in Mayfair, one of the Canary Islands’ leading beachfront restaurants and, more recently, The Hartley Arms, in Wheaton Aston, near Penkridge.
“We’ve taken some of the best personal experiences of dining all over the world and combined them with the freshest local produce and unique Staffordshire atmosphere to create The Lesters Arms,” said Billy.
“There is nothing else like it in Wolverhampton and South Staffs. We want it to become a place where people return to time and time again, whether that is to socialise with friends, enjoy a creative great-tasting menu and a level of service they can’t get anywhere else.”
He continued: “The first big coup is attracting a chef of the calibre of Phil Jones. His ethos is very much ‘substance and style’ and he has created a stunning Spring menu for everyone to enjoy.”
The Lesters Arms, which is open seven days per week, can seat up to 60 guests inside and tens more in the large outdoor space and garden at the rear of the premises.
The Spring menu features the likes of confit belly and pancetta wrapped loin of Staffordshire pork, dry aged Staffordshire beef and butternut squash tortellini.
Dessert options include sticky date sponge, mango and passionfruit cheesecake and local and continental cheeses.
Simon Joyce, who has been appointed as General Manager, said: “I’ve been working in hospitality for over 21 years, yet what we are trying to create with The Lesters Arms feels completely different.
“There are some great venues in South Staffs, so we knew we had to do something different, and I think we’ve done that with the design of the building, the craftmanship brimming from the kitchen and a carefully curated drinks menu that will surprise and delight in equal measure.
“We have also designed it so that we have an open kitchen, giving guests the opportunity to see the food being prepared and our chefs working their magic.”
The Lesters Arms also hopes to host corporate clients for away days or entertaining customers.
Billy concluded: “It would have been so easy to let a derelict pub be demolished and turned into housing, but where’s the benefit in that.
“We need local venues that also double up as hubs for the community and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to see what we’ve done.”
Several jobs are still available at the venue. Email [email protected] to apply.
