After nearly a month of refurbishment work, The Sun Inn, Dedham, has reopened just in time for its 15th celebration of independent ownership. The traditional 15th century coaching inn went through a £150,000 refurbishment programme that targeted the public areas and the instalment of a brand new kitchen.
Located on the Essex Suffolk border, it is owned and operated by Piers Baker and is known for its Italian-inspired food, craft beers, and award-winning wine list. The investment aimed to make the inn an even friendlier place for its locals and visitors. The kitchen has been equipped with a Rational oven, a larger walk-in cold room, new floors, walls and ceilings, while in the bar and dining room the floors have been sanded and polished. New banquettes, chairs, sofas, and tables, produced by Danbury Upholstery and Bampton Design, were also placed in the room.
“When we arrived at The Sun in 2003 with a shoestring budget, it was unbelievably grotty and we have carefully transformed the pub and bedrooms with a programme of ongoing improvements over the years, including a new terrace, garden bar and improving the rooms. But after 15 years’ footfall in the bar and dining room, we have taken the opportunity to fully refresh the pub and give our excellent kitchen team the facilities they deserve,” said Piers Baker.
On the 25th of January a new, more casual bar menu will be launched together with the reopening of the kitchen. The menu will include dishes such as steamed mussels with Aspall cider, bacon and celery, a charcuterie platter to share with friends, or Jack’s daily snack based on his midnight fridge buffet. Three cuts of rare-breed steaks – skirt, sirloin, and prime bone-in-rib – will also be permanently available.
The Sun Inn employs a team of 25 people and the kitchen team of eight is led by Head Chef Jack Levine, who has been at the restaurant for nearly seven years.
