New chef cooking up a storm at village pub

THE Bell on the Common added a new string to its bow recently by welcoming a new chef to the team and unveiling new menus.

The popular pub in Broughton Gifford has been joined by experienced chef Chris Lucey, who has already spruced up the menus and introduced a few dishes of his own.

The pub was taken over last year by Trish MacGregor and Dougie Campbell, who had been cooking the food himself until Chris came along.

Dougie said, “Chris is a very experienced chef and he’s already fitted in extremely well with the rest of the team here.

“He’s helped us totally redesign the menus and is cooking specials every day, as well as two of his own creations – a seafood and champagne risotto and sweet chilli pork belly ribs – which customers just can’t get enough of!”

Chris is originally from the Republic of Ireland  and has  been a chef for two decades, spending recent years working in The George in Bathampton and the Rose and Crown in Larkhall. He joined the Bell on the Common in September.

“We’re really pleased to have Chris on board,” Dougie said. “Good chefs don’t grow on trees and they’re hard to come by because once you get one you’ll do everything you can to keep them!

“Good food is absolutely essential for pubs nowadays and it’s definitely something we’re pushing. We’ve got consistently great quality food being cooked for lunch and dinner every day, and people are giving us really good feedback so far.

“We’ve taken on an apprentice in the kitchen as well and we’re committed to making this a success and the next big step in the growth of the Bell on the Common.”

The Bell on the Common is now serving food seven days a week from 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 8.30pm.  There are both roasts and alternative menus available on Sundays, but the kitchen is closed on Sunday night.

To find out more or to book a table call 01225 782309 or go to www.thebellonthecommon.co