Tom Sellers takes over The Lickfold Inn

The former Noma chef, whose London restaurant was awarded a Michelin star​​ shortly after opening in 2013​​, is taking over the ‘derelict’ pub in Petworth, which has been closed for the past four years, following a campaign supported by the local community.

The Lickfold is now being restored by the chef and a local private investor, who has acquired the freehold of the property.

Proper pub​

Sellers explained: “I grew up in pubs, and have fond memories of the happy atmosphere of a favourite local. I want to bring back The Lickfold with big impact – introducing some of my own cooking style but still respecting the legacy of a real, proper pub.”

Graham Squire, who previously worked in London at Trinity and Bistro Union with Adam Byatt, and at Claridge’s for seven years, has been appointed as head chef.

The ground floor will maintain a pub atmosphere, serving craft and local beer, cocktails and snacks including Scotch eggs, pork pies and charcuterie throughout the day.

The 36-cover upstairs dining room will be open for lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday, and lunch only on Sunday, with a modern British menu of five starters, five main courses and five desserts.

Modern British menu​

These will include chicken, Earl Grey and hay terrine; mussels, cider and lovage; cod, cabbage and buttermilk; partridge pot-au-feu; ox pie, buckwheat and oyster; bitter chocolate, clementine and lavender; and blackberry, apple and wheat crumble.

Located in a Grade II-listed building, the Lickfold Inn has been a public house for over a century, and was previously, and briefly, owned by celebrity broadcaster Chris Evans. It has been closed since August 2010.

The Lickfold Inn, Highstead Lane, Lickfold, Petworth, West Sussex