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We visit a Staffordshire countryside pub which is a destination venue for diners and drinkers alike

This countryside gourmet restaurant has breathed new life into a formerly derelict building and made it a destination venue for foodies and drinkers alike.

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By James Vukmirovic
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The Lesters Arms at Kiddemore Green near Brewood is a relatively new addition to the area, having only opened in April 2024 after owner Billy Hutchinson bought the lease on the derelict New Inns and spent £800,000 on renovating the pub.

The food at the Lesters Arms is produced to a high quality
The food at the Lesters Arms is produced to a high quality. Photo: Tim Thursfield

He said he had moved into the area a year earlier and found there was a lack of an independent eatery of a certain standard - but he had found the perfect building to create just that.

The pub is a standout place to eat and drink
The pub is a standout place to eat and drink. Photo: Tim Thursfield

He said: "I've spent a lot of time eating in numerous different restaurants around the world and so, maybe naively or bravely, we decided to go in and take on this building.

"We went in a bit blind, but did the full renovation, taking the best bits from all the places we've been to and amalgamated them into one venue.

General manager Mia Williams is one of the staff helping make the pub to be a friendly location
General manager Mia Williams is one of the staff helping make the pub a friendly location. Photo: Tim Thursfield

"I used to visit a pub around here called the Countess's Arms and that sort of high-end and independent eatery was something I aspired to and we're different to other places as we have the ability to change menus with the seasons, using local suppliers and the freshest ingredients."