The owner of a historic Norfolk pub is hoping to attract diners from across the country with the appointment of an acclaimed chef.

David Lamyman took on The Gin Trap Inn in Ringstead, near Hunstanton, in May 2019 and set about transforming the 17th-century coaching inn to give it a more cosy and rustic feel.

This also included a complete kitchen revamp and renovating its 16 bedrooms.

Eastern Daily Press: Some of the team at The Gin Trap Inn in Ringstead.Some of the team at The Gin Trap Inn in Ringstead. (Image: The Gin Trap Inn)

Mr Lamyman was born in Lincolnshire but he often came to Norfolk for holidays and he has previously run bars and nightclubs in Australia and New Zealand.

He said: "I know the area really well and saw the opportunity of what The Gin Trap Inn could become."

Eastern Daily Press: The owner of The Gin Trap Inn wants it to become one of the best pub's to eat at in the UK.The owner of The Gin Trap Inn wants it to become one of the best pub's to eat at in the UK. (Image: The Gin Trap Inn)

Now he has changed the look of the pub he has set about transforming the food offering with big ambitions.

The newly-appointed executive chef is Gareth Rayner, whose most recent venture saw him at the Middleton Lodge Estate in Richmond in North Yorkshire.

He was at the helm for seven years and it gained three AA rosettes for the quality of cooking and had been recommended for four before the pandemic.

Mr Lamyman added: "I wanted to welcome the best chefs and the goal is to be recognised as one of the best pubs to eat at in the UK.

"We have been doing pub food really well but never applied for rosettes before as we weren't in the right place, but now with Gareth we are aiming for three or even four."

Eastern Daily Press: Gareth Rayner is the new head chef at The Gin Trap Inn.Gareth Rayner is the new head chef at The Gin Trap Inn. (Image: The Gin Trap Inn)

Part of this has included taking out the children's play area in the garden as he wants it to have a more serious reputation for fine dining.

Mr Rayner, 41, said: "I was attracted by the potential to drive the business forward and I'm looking forward to tapping into local suppliers.

"We want to cook the best food in the area and get recognised across the UK like in the Estrella Damm top 50 or 20 gastropubs.

Eastern Daily Press: Gareth Rayner is looking forward to tapping into local produce.Gareth Rayner is looking forward to tapping into local produce. (Image: The Gin Trap Inn)

"Over the summer we are doing small plates, but from September we will be pushing forward with classic British dining with various influences."