Village pub with 37 members of staff hires new head chef to take it 'to next level'

The Bird in Hand pub in Wreningham has added experienced chef Lewis Howes to its kitchen team. Mr Howes joins the south Norfolk pub from Melville & Sons in Norwich, having previously worked at The Last, The Harper hotel in Langham and No.Twenty9 in Burnham Market. The Bird in Hand has two restaurants, a bar area, and eight guest rooms, employing 37 members of staff. The Bird In Hand pub in Wreningham (Image: Supplied)Mr Howes will work alongside its executive head chef Mark Elvin, who joined the business six months ago and was previously head chef at the Elveden Estate, Barnham Broom, the Boars in Spooner Row and the Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross. The Bird in Hand's owners, husband-and-wife Kagiso Sekgaolelo and Kaylee Groucott, and her parents Tim and Leesa Groucott (Image: Supplied)Mrs Groucott said the pub now only stocks produce from East Anglia, including the spirits behind its bar.