Eastbury chef Brett Sutton takes on first pub

By Lesley Foottit

- Last updated on GMT

Brett Sutton has taken on the White Post in Rimpton, Dorset
Brett Sutton has taken on the White Post in Rimpton, Dorset
Top restaurant chef Brett Sutton has taken on his own West Country pub.

The White Post at Rimpton, on the Dorset/Somerset border, is a privately-owned lease that Sutton and wife Kelly plan opened on Saturday (22 February) after a soft launch.

The award-winning chef has left the Eastbury hotel at Sherborne, Dorset, where he won many top accolades in the south-west — including Best Eating Out Experience — to take on the pub.

The White Post has undergone an extensive £35,000 refurbishment including rewiring, plumbing, installation of a new bar, new outside signage and furnishings.

Quirky

"The food will be similar to the Eastbury — restaurant food in a pub — although there will be a small pub classics section," said Sutton.

"It will not be fine-dining as such, but more ‘foodie’, using lots of local and foraged produce for a taste of the west — British, quirky and innovative."

From the classics menu, customers will be able to choose dishes such as a pulled pork muffin, apple and cider chutney, pickles, dripping and chips (£10.50); or locally-made sausages with mustard mash and home-made giant baked beans (£9.50); while the main-course section offers fare including duck breast, gizzards, charred broccoli stalks and fondant potatoes (£18).

The restaurant will hold 50 to 60 covers with a separate snug bar filled with Chesterfield seating and low tables.

In addition, there is an outside area that Sutton intends to improve on by building a conservatory and small wedding venue.

"This is something I’ve always wanted to do — work for myself," said Sutton. "I looked at restaurants as well before choosing the White Post. Pubs are much more casual and informal and I really liked the feel of this pub."

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