It was revealed last week that well-known chef and restaurateur Matt Moran had purchased the Rockley pub, with him set to take over ownership from mid July.

READ MORE: Chef Matt Moran buys Rockley pub, with major transformation to come

He plans to renovate the premises to feature a restaurant, beer garden and outdoor dining area, with there to be accommodation available upstairs.

He also flagged a second stage to his development plans, which could potentially see more accommodation and a general store or bakery built.

The chef has a strong connection to Rockley, with his family having owned farms there since the 1850s.

He owns a farm there himself, alongside his father, and told the Western Advocate that it is possible that he will source supplies for the Rockley pub from the farm.

It's would very much fit in with his paddock to plate philosophy.

"I own a steakhouse in Sydney and all the beef that I breed on the farm all goes into the steakhouse, and I've got fat lambs, I've got pigs that I obviously use in the restaurants, and of course I'm going to use as much of that stuff as I can locally and bring it into the pub," Mr Moran said.

"I would love to do some chickens and eggs on the farm in time to come, and maybe also start a bit of a farmers market.

"I'd love to see the local guys come in and support a local farmers market once a month and I'd probably do that at the pub if I can."

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While his plans will be subject to approval, Mr Moran intends to have the pub up and running before the end of the year, potentially during spring.

He said the reason behind his investment is to finally bring the village of Rockley back to life.

"It's been a town that's been very pretty, but it hasn't existed. I think it's quite sad that a town like Rockley, you can't even buy some bread or a bottle of milk," he said.

" It's not going to happen straight away, but I'd love to open some shop fronts and put a little bakery or something in and bring some life back to it."

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