Member Article

From packaging to pints…local entrepreneur injects £1m to bring The Lesters Arms to life

A Wolverhampton entrepreneur is investing over £1m into transforming a derelict Brewood pub into a gourmet restaurant and bar.

Billy Hutchinson, Managing Director of Lesters Packaging, has bought The New Inns and immediately kickstarted extensive refurbishment work that will create The Lesters Arms, a destination venue for discerning diners and drinkers looking for a new level of personal service, imaginative dishes and a wide selection of craft ales and signature cocktails.

More than 20 new jobs are being created as part of the exciting project that, once completed, will boast 60 covers and a luxury lounge area for catching up with friends and family.

“I’ve been fortunate to enjoy some fantastic establishments in the UK and overseas and have taken lots of inspiration from all of them and poured it into The Lesters Arms, a place for people to socialise and enjoy a level of food and service they can’t get anywhere else,” explained Billy, who has recently moved to the area.

“The site had been earmarked for new homes, but we’ve already lost too many pubs and restaurants in Wolverhampton and Staffordshire, and I didn’t want that to happen again. At the same time, we knew we had to create a venue that offers something different.”

He continued: “In essence, we want to create a ‘favourite’ relaxed gourmet destination for people who really enjoy life. The service will be warm, friendly, and attentive, the food and drink sourced from the finest local ingredients and there will be plenty of surprises along the way. We want people to remember their visit and return time and time again.”

Refurbishment work started recently and should be completed in time for an early January launch event and opening for The Lesters Arms.

An extensive recruitment drive is also underway, with above industry pay packages set to attract serving staff, bar tenders, head chef and kitchen personnel.

In addition to catering for diners and social crowds, the venue will also look to host corporate clients who are crying out for a location where they can stage away days or entertain customers.

Billy went on to add: “We are passionate about where we come from and this will be reflected in the ever-changing, locally inspired menu and, importantly, in the community events that we will hold.”

The Lesters Arms is the latest venture by Billy Hutchinson, who has expanded the family-run packaging business by 100% in the last eighteen months and turned around the fortunes of a logistics company that now operates in the Lesters ‘supply chain’ ecosystem.

To apply for a position at The Lesters Arms, email hello@thelestersarms.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Russ Cockburn .