Chickpea Group snaps up first Dorset pub

The expanding Chickpea Group has acquired the King’s Arms in Shaftesbury for its first Dorset opening.

The pub, which has been closed since April 2023 and features a large open fireplace, sits in the centre of the town and dates back to the 17^th century.

A full refit is underway, which will see the pub updated with a rich colour palette of deep greens and reds, handmade blinds, tables, chairs and soft furnishings.

An opening date is yet to be announced, but the pub will operate seven days a week from 11am to 11pm serving Chickpea Group’s “pub bangers” menu for its 100-cover dining space.

The menu will include smash burgers, scotch eggs, handmade pies, as well as the group’s Nole pizza brand. On Sundays the pub will serve hearty roasts dinners with bottomless roasties and jugs of gravy.

On tap drinkers will be offered a selection of local ales and beers, plus an extensive list of wines and cocktails.

The pub features a large courtyard area for drinking and dining in the warmer months, while a long adjoining room will be redesigned with a separate entrance and used to host revolving pop-ups.

Ethan Davids, co-founder of the Chickpea Group and 2022 Acorn Award winner, said: “The Kings Arms has all the characteristics of a great pub: a roaring fire, long bar, and plenty of space.

"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. See you at the bar!”

Chickpea Group was founded by Ethan, his sister Jordan, and their schoolfriend Tommy Tullis. The trio took on their first pub in village of Zeals, Wiltshire in 2019.

They have since expanded the business across the south-west of England to include eight announced pubs and one Nole pizza shop.