Ambitious pub boss is game for his new venture at village
A PUB boss who had a childhood dream of becoming a gamekeeper is sharing his passion for game through his new venture.
James Kennedy and wife Jane have taken over former pub The Lamb, in Sutton. They have renamed it as The Sutton Gamekeeper. James and Jane bought the site in January and spent six weeks refurbishing the pub.
The couple are living at the premises.
James had a childhood ambition to become a gamekeeper, and while he’s not yet achieved this wish, he is focusing on cooking game in the kitchen at the pub.
James said: “I wanted to call the pub The Sutton Gamekeeper as I had a childhood ambition of being a gamekeeper.
“The focus in the pub is on game. Some of the dishes on the menu are ‘Leek Old Road pressed rabbit’ and ‘Macclesfield Forest’ venison burger, and a very popular venison tartare dish.
“We are a new pub serving locally sourced food, all prepared in house and served to the highest standard.”
James has worked in restaurants around the area, previously owning Dv8 in Congleton and managing several other bars, pubs and restaurants.
The couple have teamed up with Rosette award winning chef Rob Corless.
Head chef Robert has previously worked at a variety of accoladed restaurants, including The White Hart at Lydgate, an AA two rosette restaurant and Michelin Bib Gourmand, and Judges country house hotel which held 3 AA rosettes.
James said: “We pride ourselves on sourcing everything as locally as possible, from the cask ales to the meat, which is obtained from The Sutton Lane Ends Farm Shop.”
The Sutton Gamekeeper is on Hollin Lane, in Sutton, and can be contacted by calling 01260 252000.