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."