AN ancient Suffolk pub is entering a new era after it was bought by a local farmer. Businessman and farmer James Buckle purchased 15th century hall house the Red Rose Inn in Lindsey, near Hadleigh, for around £400,000 from previous owners Geoff Dismorr and Angel Eizaguirre.

AN ancient Suffolk pub is entering a new era after it was bought by a local farmer.

Businessman and farmer James Buckle purchased 15th century hall house the Red Rose Inn in Lindsey, near Hadleigh, for around £400,000 from previous owners Geoff Dismorr and Angel Eizaguirre.

Mr Buckle, whose business interests include The Bildeston Crown and Boyton Hall Equine Centre, has long had his eye on the pub, which is thought to be one of the oldest in the country, and has been the Lindsey local for more than 500 years.

It will be managed on a day-to-day basis by Pete and Jess Miller, and overseen by management couple Hayley and Chris Lee, who are based at The Bildeston Crown.

Mr Miller was formerly assistant manager at The Bildeston Crown, and Mrs Miller worked there part-time.

He will be responsible for the kitchen, while Mrs Miller will be front of house.

Mrs Lee was firm about the inn not being turned into a mini-replica of a luxury hotel/restaurant.

“The Rose will most definitely remain a pub with good food rather than be turned into a restaurant with a bar,” she said.

However, they aim to make the food an “exceptional” standard, and showcase the best of local produce.

One of the features will be a steak counter where customers can choose the cut and size of steak before it is cooked and served to their taste.

The menu will also feature venison salami, Colchester oysters and staples such as toad in the hole with onion gravy and beer batter fish.

The focus of the offering will be real ales and fine wines.

The opening hours have been extended to a full seven day operation.

The Rose is Mr Buckle's third pub, and joins The Bildeston Crown and the Queen's Head at Erwarton near Shotley, which is undergoing a refurbishment and menu update.