Entrepreneur's pub opens its doors near Wolverhampton creating 20 jobs
A gourmet restaurant and bar has been officially opened in Brewood, near Wolverhampton.
The Lesters Arms is the brainchild of packaging entrepreneur Billy Hutchinson who wants it to be a destination venue for 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 £1 million has been invested into transforming the derelict New Inns on Kiddemore Green Road.
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.
“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,” explained Billy Hutchinson, who runs large box packaging specialist Lesters in Burntwood.
“There is nothing else like it in Wolverhampton and South Staffordshire. 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 premise
Simon Joyce, who has recently 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.”
In addition to catering for diners and social crowds, The Lesters Arms will also look to host corporate clients.
Billy added: “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 positions are still available, and people can apply by emailing [email protected]
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