Chester businessman Mark Jarvis fulfills dream of running his own country pub

Oct 13 2011 by Gary Porter, Chester Chronicle

Chester businessman Mark Jarvis fulfills dream of running his own country pub

A BUSINESSMAN says he is fulfilling his dream of owning a country pub after buying The Barn restaurant in Chester.

Mark Jarvis, former co-owner of the award-winning Upstairs at The Grill in Chester city centre, will run the Bridge Trafford premises – which has lain empty for about a year – under the new name The Chester Fields.

It’s due to open its doors on Monday, November 21, and Mark, who has lived in Chester for ten years, says he’s ‘very excited’ about his latest venture.

He explained: “I’ve always had this vision of a country pub. It’s always been close to my heart.

“I’ve always wanted a country pub and to make it different and unique. I thought right, it’s now time to fulfil my dream.”

The building, which operated as a dairy farm until 1996, was bought by Hassaon Sharter, who transformed the derelict premises into a restaurant before opening it in August 2008.

Mr Sharter, who was considering taking out a second mortgage to pay off debts, was found hanged at the premises in April 2010.

His wife Sharon Sharter then sold the premises to Lock Gate Ltd, based in the British Virgin Islands, in October last year. Since then the restaurant has lay empty.

Mark says he has the utmost ‘respect and admiration’ for how Mr Sharter transformed the building into a ‘fine restaurant’.

His reason for naming the premises The Chester Fields is simply down to the ‘stunning scenery’ that surrounds the site.

He says he will be building fireplaces and adding some ‘quirky features’ to create a warm, relaxed pub setting with casual dining.

Mark has chef Gareth Jones on board who this year represented Wales in BBC’s The Great British Menu.

Gareth has also been awarded three Rosettes during his time as head chef at Bodysgallen Hall, Llandudno. He also worked at The Chester Grosvenor.