Village pub to be reopened by award-winning chef

An award-winning chef is set to reopen a popular village pub near Melton with a focus on relaxed dining.
Dom Clarke outside The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill which he has taken over EMN-190916-174041001Dom Clarke outside The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill which he has taken over EMN-190916-174041001
Dom Clarke outside The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill which he has taken over EMN-190916-174041001

Dominic Clarke has taken over the 16th century Grants Free House, at Burrough on the Hill, and is relaunching it under its original name, the Stag and Hounds.

He was formerly head chef at Lancashire-based the Barn at Moor Hall, which was voted the UK’s number one restaurant.

He ran it for Mark Birchall for nearly two years where he won a prestigious Michellin Bib Gourmand, two AA Rosettes, a Good Food Guide score of four and the accolade of Lancashire Life best newcomer.

The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill, which has been taken over given its original name again EMN-190916-173956001The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill, which has been taken over given its original name again EMN-190916-173956001
The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill, which has been taken over given its original name again EMN-190916-173956001

Dom said: “We are aiming to source food from local suppliers, championing the best of the area’s offerings and showcasing native breeds such as long horn beef, saddleback pork and fantastic rapeseed oil from local farms.

“Also in the pipeline we have plans to develop a kitchen garden to grow some of the pub’s veg on site, something I feel passionately about.”

His love for ‘growing your own’ comes from a stint at a kitchen gardener at the Michelin-starred Isle of Eriska hotel in Scotland.

Dom took over the role temporarily after a co-worker suffered an accident while he was also senior sous chef.

Dom Clarke, with partner Antonia Nelmes, at The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill EMN-190916-174007001Dom Clarke, with partner Antonia Nelmes, at The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill EMN-190916-174007001
Dom Clarke, with partner Antonia Nelmes, at The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill EMN-190916-174007001

His knowledge developed while working at Moor Hall where he would spent time chatting with head kitchen gardener, Catherine Butters, about what was available and when so he could plan menus around food from the garden.

Dom said: “We plan to have a weekly changing menu which evolves with the seasons and highlights the best of what is available at the market.

“Having worked in a one-star environment which changed the menu daily, this is something I feel keeps the place fresh and exciting.

“It’s a new experience every time.”

Dom Clarke in the kitchen at The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill EMN-190916-174019001Dom Clarke in the kitchen at The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill EMN-190916-174019001
Dom Clarke in the kitchen at The Stag and Hounds pub at Burrough on the Hill EMN-190916-174019001

Some of the beers will come from the adjacent Parish Brewery, where Baz Parish produces his popular brews, as well as other firm favourites with regulars.

The Main Street pub is due to reopen on the weekend of September 28/29.

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