Royal 'tryst' lodge named pub of the year The art dealer, famous for selling works by Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon, has renovated the pub in a traditional country style although the interior also includes works of art by Tracey Emin and Damian Hurst. The Gunton Arms sells traditional bar food, such as sausage rolls, and also houses a restaurant serving dishes such as venison. The food operation is run by Stuart Tattersall, who formerly worked at Brown's Hotel and Hix Oyster and Chop in London. Many of the dishes are cooked over a huge open fire in the restaurant. Simone Baker, the pub's general manager, said that they were told about the award on Monday and are delighted at the news. She said that the pub, which has eight rooms for people to stay in, has a laid-back atmosphere. There is great beer, great food, and you don't have to come here and have a three-course meal, you can just pop in for a drink. There's a darts board and a pool table. You can come with your mates and have a pint and a sausage role or you can come and have a fine bottle of wine and a three-course meal," said Ms Baker. The surrounding deer park and the pub's rich history are also draws. Ms Baker said: "Lillie apparently came here when it was the steward's house. Edward VII built Gunton Station which is about a mile and half away to bring the steam engine up and he would come with his family to stay at the Hall. "Lillie would be in residence here at the stewards" house. There were illicit meetings. Other actresses of the day would also come and stay. All the young royals, as like today, would enjoy frolicking and drinking and playing cards. Mr Braka has said that he wants the pub to appeal to everyone: "I wanted it to be popular with everyone: postmen, woodmen, landed gentry, Londoners, foreigners."