A POPULAR pub has reopened in Hook under the ownership of a chef with experience in Michelin-Starred kitchens and a sommelier.

The Crooked Billet, situated on the River Whitewater, opened its doors on July 13 to the delight of residents.

The opening saw the staff pull more than a thousand pints with customers having to be turned away at the door as the pub became so busy.

READ MORE: The Crooked Billet pub in Hook closes as owners retire

(Image: The Crooked Billet)

Matthew Clarke purchased the pub with his partner, Jas Clarke, in January from the previous owners, Richard and Sally Sanders who ran the establishment for more than 37 years.

"We've been friends with the owners for over 20 years because we used to run The Derby Inn (a pub in Hook) so we've always talked about taking on the Crooked Billet, but at the time we didn't have the money," said Matthew.

He explained that he and Jas were on holiday in Thailand when Richard phoned up the pair to tell them that the buyer aligned to purchase The Crooked Billet had pulled out of the sale just four days prior.

Matthew added: "We had some thinking time and put a proposal together and decided to purchase it."

The couple have experience running pubs, as they were previously the landlords of the Derby Inn, and also run the Yew Tree in Lower Wield, Alresford.

In addition to their background in leadership, the pair also have backgrounds in the food and drink industry.

Matthew began his career as a chef at the age of 14, working at The Ritz, as well as a stint at a three Michelin-Starred restaurant in Las Vegas, whilst Jas has expertise as a sommelier, preparing the wine list for the pub.

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(Image: The Crooked Billet)

"I've worked all over the world, but we love pubs, we are pub enthusiasts," said Matthew. 

The 46-year-old said they 'really focus on good food' with business 'so far, so good'. He added: "We knew we were going to have a fighting chance but it's just been so lovely how many new people have come to support the pub.

"We've had continuous support since it's been open. We have a nice pub garden on the river, so people will be curious to see what we've done with it."

Working as landlord and head chef, Matthew curated the pub's menu, which includes traditional pub food, as well as twists with Asian influences. Highlights include the Blackened Cod salad, Crooked Billet Ploughmans and Nam Tok Nua salad.

The pub serves food for lunch as well as dinner, with a range of ales, beers, wines and more. Classic pub food, including roast dinners, will be served from September.