A former Michelin starred head chef is to take over the kitchen of a historic inn near Preston.
Sean Wrest, who was also a 2021 Acorn Award winner, has taken on the top role at The Horns Inn at Goosnargh, a 17th century, grade II listed building which is currently undergoing a substantial renovation.
The acclaimed chef said he will be bringing together all of his skills and culinary expertise to create an “authentic” and “exciting” menu.
Sean left his role as head chef at Tommy Banks’ Roots in York last summer and since that time has been inundated with offers but has chosen to be part of an exciting new chapter at The Horns Inn.
The pub was taken over by local building company, J Townley, which is creating a number of luxury homes and cottages around the site and decided to also invest in turning the inn into a destination restaurant.
The company owners also brought on board Yorkshire Forager, Alysia Vasey, as operations consultant and Sean revealed it was her involvement which cinched the deal.
Alysia regularly appears on James Martin's Saturday Morning show and other regular TV appearances including Ainsley Harriott's Good Mood Food show and ITVs 'This Morning'.
She brings her expertise and passion for British wild food and local produce and is involved in all aspects of the overall business operation.
“I just had a good feeling the minute I pulled up in the car park for the first time that this was the right move for me,” said Sean.
“It was Alysia that got in touch with me first to see if I would be interested and I knew that if she was recommending it, it had to be something special – and she was right.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”
Sean will also be joined by his fiancée, Sam Haigh, who is leaving her job as restaurant manager at The Black Swan at Olstead to become general manager at The Horns Inn.
The inn’s transformation has seen the creation of a 100-seater restaurant while still retaining the pub side of the business and along with lunch and dinner there will also be an afternoon tea offering.
Sean is currently working on the menu which he says will bring together all of his previous culinary experiences.
He said: “I have worked in restaurants where we’ve created menus around foraging, fermenting and pickling but also where we’ve used more classical techniques and recipes.”
“I will be bringing together everything I’ve learned over the years in what hopefully will be a really authentic and exciting offering.”
The Horns Inn will be opening in mid March, with bookings available from February.
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