Mark Anderson to open second site with Star Pubs & Bars

Terry Laybourne protégée Mark Anderson, owner of the Ruddington Arms in Nottingham, is to open his second venture, The White Lion in Bingham at the end of this month.

The White Lion will be wet-led and take on the appearance of a traditional pub with sports.

A £180,000 investment by Anderson and Star Pubs & Bars is to be spent refurbishing the pub inside. It will feature grey and blue hues and reclaimed wood. Traditional features such as flagstone flooring are being retained.

An outdoor pool table, fire pits, new lighting and heated garden sheds are being installed with hot water bottles and blankets for use in colder months, offering private drinking and dining spaces will also be installed.

The menu at the White Lion will include pub classics such as fish & chips, steak & kidney pudding, burgers and grilled steaks as well as sharing platters and grazing food like hot camembert, British meats and cheese boards, ideal food for watching sport.

Anderson said of his latest venture: "I believe a good pub is about having a broad mix of clients which reflects its community. The White Lion will have a pool table, a darts board and Sky sports which makes it stand out from other pubs in the area.

"This style of pub requires less skilled kitchen staff, who are hard to come by, and so can be rolled out more quickly. My ambition is to have six pubs in similar large villages and small towns with a mixed demographic outside Nottingham."

David Pritchard, Star Pubs & Bars operations and sales director said: "Mark has done a fantastic job with the Ruddington Arms. He's successfully managed to appeal to a broad customer base with white van and Porsche drivers enjoying a pint alongside one another.

Although The White Lion will not be so food focussed, Mark knows how to provide great customer service and understands what communities want. We're delighted he is taking on and developing The White Lion and wish him every success. The investment together with Mark's plans and experience will I believe take the White Lion to a new level."

Anderson began his cooking career in Newcastle upon Tyne aged 19 working for Terry Laybourne at the Michelin-starred 21 Queen Street.

He also has experience at Michel Roux's Le Gavroche, Terrance Conran's Le Pont De La Tour and Gordon Ramsay's Teatro Restaurant and Club.

The Ruddington Arms was taken over by Anderson and his wife Sarah in 2014. It underwent a £23,000 refurbishment and in 2015 and 2016 it was accredited in the Michelin guide.

Star Pubs & Bars announces best food pub at its annual awards >>

Star Pubs & Bars sees highest ever number of applications >>

Star Pubs & Bars cuts ingoing costs for new lessees by 60%-70% >>

Videos from The Caterer archives

Are you looking for a new role? See all the current hospitality vacancies available with The Caterer Jobs