A fast-growing Staffordshire gourmet restaurant and bar is raising a glass to celebrate its first year in business - with the promise of more to come.

The Lesters Arms, which underwent a £1m transformation to bring the derelict pub back to life in 2024, has overcome the uncertainty in hospitality to build up a loyal local client base and a reputation for being a ‘destination’ venue for high-end creative dining.

Owner Billy Hutchinson believes this is just the start for the venture and has signed off on the launch of its ‘Dining Club’ offer that will give members the chance to enjoy an exclusive three-course monthly menu and, every quarter, a show-stopping 5-course journey that will allow the in-house chefs to push the envelope when it comes to ingredients and new dishes.

This latest promotion follows the introduction of ‘Let’s do Lunch’ on Mondays, ‘Tapas Tuesdays’ and ‘Grill Night Wednesdays’.

“It has been a fantastic first year for the Lesters Arms…one which has had plenty of challenges, but ultimately has seen us become a household fixture in Staffordshire and the Black Country’s dining scene,” explained Billy, who also runs Burntwood-based Lesters Packaging.

“We wanted to create something a little bit different, somewhere people can go to for a new level of personal service, imaginative dishes featuring the freshest of local ingredients and a wide selection of craft beers, ales and signature cocktails.”

He continued: “I think we’ve more than delivered on this and we plan on celebrating our first birthday on Friday with live music and a big party to say thank you to everyone who has supported us.

“This is just the start. The reviews have been amazing, and we want to continue to innovate our offer and bring different events to the bar and restaurant.”

The Lesters Arms, which is open seven days per week, can seat up to 60 guests inside and similar numbers outside, with its front and rear garden areas offering beautiful views of the Brewood countryside.

Inspired by head chef Phil Jones, the menu aims to take a creative twist on the best local produce, with diners able to enjoy pork belly, braised oxtail pappardelle and dry-aged Yield Fields Farm sirloin and fillet.

Sunday Lunches have become a firm favourite with local diners, whilst the home fried tortilla chips starter continues to be a best-seller.

Phil, who worked at La Caprice in Mayfair before heading back to the Midlands, picked up the story: “We’ve created 30 jobs already since launching and the quality of the team is really impressive – there’s no doubt in my mind that this has played a big role in the consistency of our service and our food.

“There’s lots of exciting plans in place for the rest of the year, including a more relaxed outdoor menu for enjoying the (hopefully) hotter weather and a new Summer Fest that will celebrate the best of local music and food.”

He concluded: “Businesses are another big target for us. We’ve got a fantastic space upstairs that can be used for away days, presentations and networking groups for example. What better way to boost the performance of your staff than sharing best practice ideas over fantastic food and drink?”

For further information, visit thelestersarms.co.uk.