Award-winning chef takes over at The Hoddington Arms in Upton Grey

He is head chef and among the owners of the Grade II listed country pub.

Previously he was co-head chef at The Crown in Old Basing, along with his business partners Andy Durling and his father John Barnes.

The talented chef, who said he is “offering a real alternative to the stereotypical gastropub,” has achieved listings in the Michelin Good Pub Guide in 2014 and 2015 and the Good Food Guide 2015.

Now he can be found in the kitchen at The Hoddington Arms doing what he does best, creating outstanding traditional home cooked food with a modern twist.

BCoT trained Chris, who has worked at Lainston House Hotel, near Winchester, said: “We are so lucky to be the new owners of such a wonderful pub.

“I can’t wait to put my stamp on the new menus.

“I’m sure my passion for food and the experience I bring to this beautiful setting will make for a winning combination.”

Known affectionately by locals as The Hodd, the pub provides the focal point of the village, with wooden beams, slat floors and natural materials to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

It has a beautiful garden complete with a cabana, fire pit, pizza oven and family area.

There are even stalls for horses along with a large car park.

But several years ago the pub was saved from becoming yet another lost village service thanks to a consortium of local businessmen, led by Upton Grey resident Philip Whitehead.

Mr Whitehead said: “We felt having created a lovely pub and saved it from almost certain closure it was time to pass its day-to-day operation on to an experienced and talented team who can deliver the first class product The Hodd and the area deserves.

“We firmly believe the village pub needed local, experienced family care and after looking for nearly a year for the right team to take on The Hodd and rejecting several approaches from chains, we are delighted to be supporting the Barnes family who we are sure will ensure its success for the long term.”