New team at the New Inn!

WHEN Ken and Karen Gibbons found out that their ‘local’ was about to close, they decided there was only one thing to do – run it themselves!

The couple who live a stone’s throw from the New Inn in Semington Road couldn’t resist the temptation to take over the pub when it was threatened with closure.

“I didn’t fancy having to walk into town for a pint!” joked Ken.

Ken and Karen have given the pub a new lease of life after taking it over from Moles brewery who had been running it for several years.

“We’ve given the New Inn a completely new look with a beer garden, an enclosed safe children’s area, a complete refurbishment inside the pub and a new kitchen,” said Ken.

“We’ve introduced great home-cooked food and a range of new real ales which has got us a couple of mentions by CAMRA, the real ale group.

“We’re using local micro breweries and trying out different ales to see which go down well with our customers.

“The aim is simply to make it a family orientated pub where you can get great ale and really good home-made food including a popular children’s menu and a whole bean coffee to drink in or take away.

“We’ve totally turned the pub around and have had a lot of really positive feedback from both existing and new customers. But it’s still a work in progress!”

The New Inn is situated in Semington Road and is within walking distance of Berryfields and a large part of the town, while the pub also boasts a large car park. Food is available 4pm to 9pm Wednesday to Saturday and 12-3pm on Sunday.

“We’ve got a new chef who’s joined us from the Bell at Broughton Gifford and he’s been given a free hand in the kitchen,” said Karen. “The menu includes old favourites like beer battered fish & chips, steak & ale pie and faggots, mash and pies plus a range of specials.

“News is spreading about our Sunday lunches which are getting more and more popular every week.

“We offer two courses for £10 with up to four different roasts to choose from. Booking is advised!”

Karen and Ken have got more exciting plans going forward.

“We’re planning a BBQ on Carnival Day, a car boot sale for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance, a beer and cider festival, steak and curry nights and we hope to start quiz and bingo evenings in the near future,” added Karen. “We’re also hoping to set up darts and pool teams. Watch this space!”

Sky Sports and BT Sports are both available showing all the big sporting events, there is free pool on Mondays and there is a new undercover smoking area outside.

For more details call 01225 793916 or visit the New Inn Facebook page.