THE new landlords of Ravensworth’s Bay Horse Inn are determined to put the pub at the heart of the community as a traditional village hostelry.
Brian Metcalfe and Brigette Martin, who took over the pub at the beginning of December last year, say they are already seeing more local people coming through the door as they transform it into the type of premises they would like to go to.
The pub was closed for two weeks ahead of the re-opening before Christmas.
Mr Metcalfe, a builder by trade, said: “It was very dark. We painted it and put a new front on the bar, and made it brighter. It is a community pub.
“We want the people around here to come in and eat, drink and be merry.
“If there is one thing I have missed it is a proper pub,” he said.
“They have all gone. Every one has a theme.
“In a proper pub you sit down and have a chat to someone new and make your own theme.”
Ms Martin, who has previous experience of working in pubs in Colburn, added: “Once they come in and have a good night they will come back in.”
The landlords are, however, planning some special events, including a Burns night complete with bagpipes, while a curry night is also on the cards.
Following on from a recent successful evening they also want to have more live music events.
The free house has four ales on tap, all from breweries in the surrounding area, and the couple plan to add old-fashioned pub favourites, like chicken and chips in a basket and scampi and chips in a basket, to the menu.
They are also hoping get more traditional pub teams going.
Ms Martin said: “We have a darts team and we want to get the quoits started.”
The pub is currently open from 6pm to 11pm on Mondays and Tuesdays and from noon until closing from Wednesday through to Sunday.
