South Staffordshire’s culinary scene has received a mouth-watering boost with the official opening of The Lesters Arms.

The gourmet restaurant and bar, the brainchild of local packaging entrepreneur Billy Hutchinson, is aiming 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.

Over £1m has been invested into transforming the derelict New Inns on the Kiddemore Green Road in Brewood into a place where local people can meet for drinks, hold special occasions, and enjoy a range of starters, main meals, and desserts, all handcrafted from the finest local ingredients.

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 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, making it an ideal venue for summer dining.  

It is already receiving rave reviews from diners impressed with the innovative nature of the food and the vast selection of local ales, gins, and cocktails.

The wonderful array of starters offers something for everyone, ranging from Wooley’s mini-Cumberland sausages, hot honey and grain mustard to seared scallops and a roasted beetroot, walnut, goat’s cheese and chicory salad.

A large selection of steaks, fish dishes and vegetarian options greet you on the seasonal menu, with a special Sunday Roast offering sure to be a hit with visitors.

Simon Joyce, who has recently been appointed as General Manager, went on to add: “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 who are crying out for a location where they can stage away days or entertain 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 positions are still available, and you can apply by emailing hello@thelestersarms.co.uk. For further information, visit thelestersarms.co.uk