Chestnut Group, the East Anglia-based pub company, is gearing up for the launch of its third site later this month, with a fourth – its first hotel – also to follow during the summer.

The White Horse at Easton, near Woodbridge, which is to be operated by Chestnut under a partnership with Alastair and Sian Kerr, who own the property, is due to re-open on Friday, June 17 following refurbishment.

It will join the group’s Packhorse Inn at Moulton, near Newmarket, and the Rupert Brooke in Grantchester, near Cambridge, with Chestnut also due to launch a boutque hotel – to be known as The Northgate – in Bury St Edmunds.

Dominic Clarke, who has more than 15 years’ experience in the industry, has been appointed head chef at the White Horse, with the aim to adding to the east Suffolk area’s growing reputation for fine food and dining.

He said: “The whole team at the Chestnut Group is incredibly excited about opening the doors to the White Horse this June – everyone involved in the project has used their experience to create what we hope will continue to be a cherished pub.

“There is a real vibrancy in the east Suffolk region. We want to capture that at the White Horse by delivering a memorable, home-from-home hospitality experience to all our guests, whether local or visiting the region. Serving quality dishes with local flavours will be right at the heart of it.”

The refurbishment of the White Horse has remained faithful to the 18th Century origins of the building, with four open fires and original flint stone walling forming part of the “new” look which includes three separate dining areas and a “Club Room”.

Later this summer will also see the launch of The Northgate, in Bury’s Northgate Street, which will offer nine bedrooms along with a bar, a dining area and private dining and meeting room facilities.

The three-storey property, formerly known as Ounce House and located about five minutes’ walk from the town centre, was purchased by Chestnut in January last year from Simon and Jenny Pott who ran it as a five star-rated guest house.