Eggleton, co-owner and chef-patron of the Michelin-starred Pony & Trap, Chew Magna, Somerset, and Newell are currently refurbishing the Kensington Arms, Redland, with an eye to relaunching it in November.
'Back to its roots'
Eggleton said: “The Kensington Arms already has a great reputation for food and we’ll be adding to that by taking it back to its roots and emphasising its traditional British pub cuisine, sourced well, with daily changing specials.
“The current team is staying, with the addition of new general manager Ali Yuill from Salt & Malt (Eggleton’s lakeside fish and chips restaurant in Chew Valley) and the Pig near Bath, and head chef Luke Hawkins, who we trained at the Source Cafe and the Pony & Trap.”
The pub’s refurbishment will include the development of two upstairs function rooms and the installation of a new bar.
'Fell in love'
Newell said: “My wife Becky and I fell in love with 'the Kenny' the first time we visited, and were naturally keen to join Josh in this exciting new venture.
“Our intention is to make sure the beer, wine, spirits, tea and coffee offering is every bit as good as the food and I can guarantee a great pint of Butcombe Bitter.”
Eggleton’s profile has increased significantly over the past few years, with the Pony & Trap ranking consistently high among the country’s Top 50 Gastropubs, and a string of TV appearances including BBC2’s Great British Menu.
Newell served as Somerset brewer Butcombe’s managing director from 2003 until 2015 when he sold the company to Liberation Group.