Former chef to England stars sells village pub
A MIDLAND country pub which Rose to fame after it was taken over by a former chef to the England football team in 2000 has been sold.
The Chequers in Cutnall
Green, near Droitwich, has changed hands after 22 years as Roger Narbett and his wife Jo retire.
Smethwick-born Mr Narbett, who was once executive head chef at the Hyatt in Birmingham city centre, has sold up to the owners of another well-established Worcestershire pub.
Henry and Emma Pearman, who own The Horseshoes in Belbroughton, have added The Chequers to their range of pubs.
As chef to England from 1989, Mr Narbett cooked for the country’s most famous footballers – from Wayne Rooney to Glenn Hoddle, David Beckham and John Terry at European Championships and World Cup tournaments.
His talents were also used as chef de partie at Le Gavroche in London before he opened The Chequers, near Droitwich, with his wife.
In a statement he and his wife said: “Following over 20 years’ ownership at The Chequers, Cutnall Green, we have decided that now is the time to pass the baton on to the next generation.
“We are delighted to be handing over this very special pub to established hospitality owners and the current owners of The Horseshoes in Belbroughton, Henry and Emma Pearman.
“We know they will do an amazing job and that we are handing over the pub to very capable hands. The business has brought us so many happy memories and friendships over the years and we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here.
“We are now excited to be moving on to the next chapter in our lives and spending more time with our family.
“We would like to thank everyone who over the years has been part of this journey with us. This includes our suppliers, our loyal customers and, most importantly our staff who will all continue to be employed by Henry and Emma.
“The Chequers will always hold a very special place in our hearts, and we look forward to coming back to visit as customers in the very near future.”
New owners Henry and Emma said: “We are excited to continue the legacy that they have so strongly built over the last 20 years. All staff currently employed to work at The Chequers will remain under the new ownership.’’