New owners breathe fresh life into the Market Tavern

Melksham’s popular Market Tavern has new owners who are keen to make the pub a true hub for the community.

Experienced publican Marin Jesuthasan has taken over the town centre pub and restaurant and says he can’t wait to welcome customers old and new. The pub remains open for business, but an official re-opening celebration is planned for Friday 6th February with live music in the evening and Saturday 7th February with free food tasting from 5pm to 10pm and with existing and new customers all welcome.

Marin has an impressive background in hospitality, having previously run The Alma in Stoke Newington, Islington – a pub that scooped Time Out’s prestigious “Most Loved Pub” award in 2016.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Marin came to the UK in 2001 and began working as a kitchen porter in London. Through hard work and passion, he worked his way up to head chef and later took on his local pub when the owners retired, transforming it into a cornerstone of the local community.

After running five successful pubs in London with his business partner, Marin and his family relocated to Swindon after the Covid pandemic in search of a quieter life. But his love of pubs and good food soon called him back.

“My real love has always been food and pubs,” says Marin. “When I saw the Market Tavern was available, I just jumped at the chance. It’s a fantastic pub in a lovely town – we can’t wait to become part of the community here.”

Marin says he wants to build on the pub’s strong reputation while adding his own touches. “We’ll be keeping much of what made the Market Tavern popular before but improving things where we can,” he adds. “All our food is freshly made and we’ll source as much as possible from local producers, along with local ales and ciders.”

‘New and improved’

The ‘new and improved Market Tavern’ promises an extensive drinks range, including local and imported craft beers, real ales, ciders and an updated wine list to suit all budgets.

The kitchen will be open seven days a week, serving hearty, home-cooked dishes with a modern twist – from home-made pies and ale-battered fish and chips to their signature burgers and daily specials. The Sunday roasts, including roast beef, pork loin with crackling and roasted vegetable wellington, are set to be a highlight. Gluten-free and vegan options will also be available.

Themed food nights

To make the week extra appetising, the pub will offer themed food nights, including curry nights on Mondays, pie nights on Tuesdays, burger nights on Wednesdays, steak nights on Thursdays, and fish nights on Fridays – each with a drink included.

There are also exciting plans for live music, comedy and quiz nights, with updates shared via the pub’s social media channels. A special Valentine’s menu will be served on 14th February, featuring steak, half lobster or a vegetable wellington.

Looking further ahead, Marin hopes to host an ale and beer festival, wine-tasting evenings, and support local community events in Melksham.

The pub will also cater for private functions including weddings, birthdays and family gatherings.

“We’d like people to see the Market Tavern as their place – a friendly, welcoming pub they can be proud of,” says Marin. “We’ll work hard to keep our customers happy and become a real part of Melksham life.”

The Market Tavern is based in the Market Place, telephone 01225 587396.