Ben to create bar and grill at former Queen s Head pub in Bury St Edmunds

Restaurant owner Ben Hutton is to create a bar and grill in the former Queens Head pub in Churchgate Street just doors away from his thriving eaterie Ben’s.

Ben, 26, set up Ben’s four years ago and his new venture, which will be a bar and American style grill, will maintain his locally home sourced food ethos.

The Bury St Edmunds pub has been empty for some time and is being given a complete face lift. It is a stand alone enterprise for Ben with both outlets running their own diverse offer just doors from each other.

The enterprise, renamed The Queens Bar and Grill, will serve craft beers, cocktails and wines with the grill offering rustic American inspired grilled food such as burgers and ribs.

Ben said: “We want to create a bit of atmosphere. It is a lovely big space in a nice location but it needs some attention. We will have some people coming over from Ben’s and will be looking for new people to join our team.

“We want to create a cosy but casual atmosphere."

He added: "It is a shame it has been empty for so long. It needs some TLC and a fresh mind."

Working with the landlord Wellington Pub Company Ben is aiming to convert the upstairs rooms into bed and breakfast accommodation once the bar and grill is up and running. He aims to open the bar and grill in mid August.

Gareth Hatton of Fleurets said of the deal: “Ben already has a notable reputation in the town as being one of the finest independent operators, with his flagship restaurant receiving various coveted awards within the first year of opening. I am very excited to see where Ben will take The Queen s Head and know it will be a treat for the local and visiting tourists alike.”