A MULTI-award winning has opened his first solo pub with a pledge to make it one of the UK's top dining destinations.

Gordon Stott, formerly of the Sun Inn, in Dummer, opened his first solo pub at The Purefoy Arms in Preston Candover at the end of May with a fully booked first night and launch weekend.

The pub was the subject of a residents' campaign after it closed in November last year with fears it could be turned in to houses.

Mr Stott said: “Everyone has welcomed us with open arms and the pub already promises to be the hub of village life.

“Opening my first place has been years in the planning and every inch of the pub has my stamp on it. We’ll be working with lots of local suppliers and celebrating the best ingredients our region has to offer.

"Taking everything we achieved at The Sun Inn, I want to make The Purefoy Arms a great British pub with some more awards added to the collection.”

The 27-year-old winner of the 2017 Craft Guild of Chef’s ‘Pub Chef of the Year’, also known as the ‘chef’s Oscars’, recently left The Sun Inn where he was landlord and head chef since taking on the role in 2010, aged 20.

During this time, revenue increased by 320 per cent and the pub received 2 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Awards included Gastro Pub of the Year 2016 at the Food Awards England.

Gordon also received the Acorn Award which recognises the ‘top 30 under 30’ in British hospitality, and an INSPIRE Award for Young Businessperson of the Year.

Dating back to the 1860s, The Purefoy Arms’ redbrick building has recently undergone a major six-figure refurbishment.

The regularly changing menu features dishes like whole roasted stuffed quail served with carrot puree, hispi cabbage and bubble and squeak, and faggot and rack of lamb served with pea and bacon succotash, celeriac, crushed potatoes and a red wine jus.

A six-course tasting menu caters for all dietary requirements including vegan, and homemade Purefoy Arms’ jam, chutney, vinegar, truffles and shortbread are available to buy.