Chickpea Group to open its first Dorset pub

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Wiltshire-based Chickpea Group has acquired the King’s Arms in Shaftesbury, in what will be its first pub in the county of Dorset.

Located in the centre of the north Dorset town just a short walk from Gold Hill, made famous by Ridley Scott’s Hovis advert in the seventies, the pub dates back to the 17th century.

It will have a 100-cover dining space where it will serve the group's menu of ‘pub bangers’ that will include smash burgers, scotch eggs, handmade pies and Nole pizzas.

On Sundays it will serve a roast with all the trimmings.

To one side of the pub is a long, adjoining room which was previously used as a games area with pool table. This space will be redesigned, with a separate entrance and used as a revolving pop up concept, and a chance for the team to bring in seasonal special guests and retail offerings. 

"The Kings Arms has all the characteristics of a great pub: a roaring fire, long bar, and plenty of space," says Ethan Chickpea Group co-founder Ethan Davids.

"We think our model will work nicely there and we’re looking forward to swinging the doors back open after a particularly long period of closure."

Chickpea Group is owned and run by brother and sister Ethan and Jordan Davids, along with their friend Tommy Tullis.

It operates a number of gastropubs in the south west, including The Silver Plough in Pitton; The Queen’s Head in Broad Chalke; The Bell & Crown in Zeals; The Grosvenor Arms in Hindon; The Pembroke Arms in Wilton; and The Dog & Gun, Netheravon.

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It also has two pizzerias under the Nole brand - Nole on the Square in Sailsbury; and Nole in the Barn in Wilton.

The Kings Arms will open in late November.