Multi award-winning chef, Gordon Stott has opened his first solo pub, The Purefoy Arms, in the historic Hampshire village of Preston Candover with plans to make it one the U. K.’s top gastropub destinations.
The 27-year-old winner of the 2017 Craft Guild of Chef’s ‘Pub Chef of the Year’, also known as the ‘chef’s Oscars’, recently left The Sun Inn, outside Basingstoke, where he was landlord and head chef since taking on the role in 2010, aged 20. During this time, revenue increased by 320% and the pub received 2 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Awards included Gastro Pub of the Year 2016 at the Food Awards England. Gordon also received the prestigious Acorn Award which recognises the 30 under 30’ in British hospitality.
Dating back to the 1860s, The Purefoy Arms’ charming redbrick building has recently undergone a major six-figure refurbishment. The 45-cover restaurant has been designed to reflect Gordon’s vision of a traditional British pub serving creative dishes made using seasonal ingredients from local suppliers like Owtons Butchers, Moonroast Coffee, Hill Farm Juices, New Forest Ice Cream and Andwell’s Brewery.
The regularly changing menu features dishes like Whole Roasted Stuffed Quail Served with Carrot Puree, Hispi Cabbage and Bubble and Squeak, and Faggot and Rack of Lamb served with Pea and Bacon Succotash, Celeriac, Crushed Potatoes and a Red Wine Jus. A 6-course tasting menu caters for all dietary requirements including vegan, and homemade Purefoy Arms’ jam, chutney, vinegar, truffles and shortbread are available to buy.
Opening his own pub has been Gordon’s ambition since joining the industry aged 16. He says, “Every inch of The Purefoy Arms, from the design to the food, has my stamp on it. Diners can expect a regularly changing menu full of local produce and some unexpected twists on classic pub food. Taking everything I achieved at The Sun Inn, I want The Purefoy Arms to gain a national reputation for outstanding pub food and will be looking to add some more awards to the collection.”
The Purefoy Arms in Preston Candover is open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, and Sunday for lunch. For bookings call 01256 389514. Visit www.thepurefoyarms.co.uk
