The White Horse pub in Easton near Woodbridge is set to spearhead East Suffolk’s growing reputation for culinary excellence by announcing Michelin-experienced Dominic Clarke as its new Head Chef. The much-loved pub is nearing completion of a sensitive refurbishment and is due to open its doors to guests with table bookings on Friday 17 June, 2016.
The arrival of Clarke is central to the wider vision to re-establish The White Horse as a quintessential English pub serving outstanding dishes and drinks with a local provenance, both to regulars and the huge number annual visitors to the area.
Clarke has over 15 years’ culinary experience and has worked at some of the country’s most exciting restaurants and hotels, including Head Chef roles at the luxury Three Rosette Gilpin Lodge Hotel and The Ryebeck in Cumbria.
A host of Suffolk regional food producers will supply The White Horse’s kitchen which will serve a mix of pub classics and more refined dining. À la carte dishes include: Dingley dell pork belly, sticky pigs cheek with BBQ hispi cabbage, cider onions and sage quaver; while pub classics include coq au vin and fish ‘n chips. Lunch and dinner will be served seven days a week.
Unearthing the rich heritage of The White Horse, which dates back to the 18th century, has been central to the refurbishment. Four open fires and the original flint stone wall provide an old-world charm and warmth throughout, be it at the central bar, the ‘Club Room’ or any of the three dining areas.
The Chestnut Group is a Suffolk-based company that aims to establish itself as one the country’s leading innovators in creating quality hospitality experiences with a footprint in East Anglia. Its first opening was The Packhorse Inn, near Newmarket, where it has built an outstanding reputation for quality food, drink and service, for which it has received multiple awards and Five Stars for its accommodation.
This summer will see the arrival of The Northgate, the Group’s spectacular boutique restaurant with nine bedroom accommodation in Bury St Edmunds. As well as a bar, dining area, private dining, and meeting room facilities, a ‘Chef’s Table’ will form the centrepiece, giving diners the opportunity to see their meal being prepared from start to plate.
Speaking about The White Horse, Dominic Clarke, said: “The whole team at The Chestnut Group is incredibly excited about opening the doors to The White Horse this June – everyone involved in the project has used their experience to create what we hope will continue to be a cherished pub.
“There is a real vibrancy in the East Suffolk region. We want to capture that at The White Horse by delivering a memorable, home-from-home hospitality experience to all our guests, whether local or visiting the region. Serving quality dishes with local flavours will be right at the heart of it.”