The pub’s owners said they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by support
The team including Jordan, Clare and Ben, outside of The Cheney Arms.(Image: The Cheney Arms)
A Leicestershire pub is to open under new owners alongside a well-loved local chef.
The Cheney Arms, in the village of Gaddesby, in Melton, are “really excited” to welcome punters at the weekend. Its new owners, Ben and Clare, run The Dogs Pub Company, which has a number of local pubs on its roster.
They are currently making preparations inside the pub to reopen after they decided to close for a couple of days to undertake some minor works. Joining them in their new venture at the “beautiful” setting, is a well-loved chef Jordan Brady.
Jordan, who ran JB Kitchen in Syston’s High Street for five years, said that pubgoers can expect pie nights to be “legendary” themed nights. He said the main menu consists of some pub classics alongside side dishes which have been created for such a “special place”.
JB Kitchen announced its closure last month, prompting many messages of support online, as the restaurateur teased that “big news” was coming in 2026. Clare, who owns The Cheney Arms alongside Ben, said: “The response has been fantastic. We have been overwhelmed by the community support.
“Ben and I both have a passion for traditional British pubs. We were both brought up in and around the trade and understand the importance they have in the community.
“The Cheney will hold true to our values using local suppliers to provide excellent food, and employing local staff and providing a base for community events. It is a lovely pub in a beautiful setting, and adding Jordan to the mix has been the icing on the cake.
“We have worked with Jordan on and off for years when he has previously done outside catering for us. It was just by chance that Jordan was looking for a new project and we needed a chef.
“Ben rang him, we all got excited and the rest is history. We are really excited to get established in the village and look forward to meeting everyone.”
Clare added that with the pub being slightly off of a beaten track, in Rearsby Lane, there are plans to eventually add a deli to the bar which is placed at the back. Jordan told LeicestershireLive that he was “thrilled” to be working with Ben and Clare.
Jordan, who previously reached the final on Channel 4’s Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef, said: “The decision to join The Dog Pub Company came after the closure was announced.
“When [JB Kitchen] first started, we did pop-ups during Covid in one of Ben’s pubs’ car parks and so when he got in touch and asked if I wanted a conversation, it was a no brainer.
“It has been wonderful to see such a great response since we announced the move. Everyone has always been so supportive with everything we do.
“It’s a good next step for us having known Ben and Clare for a long time. We know they definitely know how to run a good and successful pub – we’re thrilled to be working alongside them.
“Menu wise we’ll have plenty for everyone; pie nights to our legendary themed nights. Our main menu will consist of some pub classics alongside dishes we’ve created for such a special place.”
The Cheney Arms is to open tomorrow (Friday, January 30). The kitchen will be open and taking orders from Sunday (February 1).
Food is to be served from Wednesdays through to Saturdays between the hours of 12pm and 3pm, before resuming service from 5pm till 8.30pm. The kitchen will also be open on Sundays from 12pm till 4pm.
The pub will be open Monday to Sunday, from 12pm till 11pm.
