British Larder pub opens in Suffolk
A new pub concept — British Larder — has opened at a Punch leased pub in Suffolk after a £100,000 investment.
British Larder began as an online recipe diary and was founded by Ross Pike and Madalene Bonvini-Hamel.
The reopening of the Cherry Tree pub in Bromeswell, Suffolk, gives the website a physical home.
The opening is a joint investment between the British Larder founders and Oakman Inns, the multi-site operator led by Peter Borg-Neal. He said: "We are 50% shareholders and have put in a loan. We will also provide back-office services.
"We're very keen on the concept and have partnered Ross and Madalene to make their dream come true. We think the concept can be rolled out — and it will also provide food ideas for the rest of our business."
The plan is to add a kitchen garden and cookery school in the medium term. Bonvini-Hamel said: "The area has so much to offer, not least local suppliers offering superb food from land and sea. We are looking forward to showcasing some of their excellent products."
The menu will focus on produce from local suppliers. Bar snacks feature crispy pigs' cheeks with home-made ketchup.
The opening of the British Larder is the first step in a plan to double the size of Oakman Inns to six venues.
The company already has two commercial leases and a Punch Taverns site open.
It has also bought the commercial lease of the Kings Arms Hotel in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, a site that will see a £1.1m investment and reopen in November.
