Marco Pierre White launches first in pub chain

Marco Pierre White is re-opening an East Sussex pub this week, with long-term plans to acquire up to 14 more sites.

Independent pub company Powder Train, which has owned the Chequers at Maresfield, near Uckfield, since 2006, embarked on the joint venture with White at the end of last year.

The 18th-century pub will re-open on Friday under the Wheeler's brand following an extensive £150,000 refurbishment.

Work included structural changes, such as moving the bar and knocking down a wall, to accommodate 100 covers. New furniture has been installed, along with a complete redecoration across the main trading area and 14 letting rooms.

"The refurbishment is to make the building feel as it would have done when it was built," said Powder Train chief executive David Butcher.

"The Chequers will be a destination food-led pub with fabulous English ales and an exciting new menu."

Before the refurbishment the pub traded mostly on wet sales and averaged just 100 dining covers a week. Butcher is hoping to achieve 65% to 70% dry sales following the relaunch and head chef Neil Thornley expects average weekly dining numbers to reach a minimum of 800.

White launched Wheeler's of St James's, London, last year, and now plans to roll-out the brand in partnership with Powder Train.

"Wheeler's is an old London brand that Marco has loved for years," said Butcher. "It is an interesting and exciting brand to develop across the south."

White also operates six southern restaurants and steakhouses including the Yew Tree Inn at Highclere, Berkshire, and Marco at Stamford Bridge, London.