TV chef takes on Star Pubs lease

Chef, author and television presenter Barry Vera has taken on the lease of The Green Man in Grantchester with entrepreneurs Christopher Webb and Joe Scarborough.

The trio are undertaking a joint £500,000 refurbishment of the pub with owners Star Pubs & Bars. Having been closed for three years, it will reopen mid-January as a village local and destination food venue. 

While The Green Man is their first pub together, the three intend to grow their new business organically, establishing a portfolio of pubs with food as the main focus.

“We want to attract people who dine out every week, not just on special occasions, so our menu needs to have a broad appeal," says Vera. "It will reflect my upbringing in a Yorkshire pub, elements of my journeys around the world and include new takes on historic dishes, such as the traditional Shooter Sandwich."

Vera was culinary and creative operations director for The ONE Group Europe, Middle East & Asia, opening the ME hotels in London, Milan and Ibiza and Radio Rooftop Bars in London and Milan. 

His media work includes three TV series on Discovery Channel and SBS Australia, regularly appearing on Australian and UK TV, and presenting on Talk Radio for three years alongside Penny Smith and with Goggle Box’s Steph and Dom.

“The Green Man is a great pub in a fantastic village and will benefit from affluent demographics," says Dan Hayward, area manager at Star Pubs & Bars. "Situated near the banks of the River Cam, its garden backs onto the main cycleway into Cambridge. It is sad it has been closed for so long, but it was important that the right operators with vision take it forward. 

“We’re delighted to be investing alongside Barry, Joe and Christopher to give Grantchester a pub they can be proud of. Barry is well known around the world for his culinary talent and Christopher and Joe have complementary skills and a vast amount of experience. I wish them well.”

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