Manager and chef Mike Grieve and bar manager Jonathan Burns (21632/2)

BACK in December, owners Abbey Ales decided that the Foresters Arms in Beckington needed a change of image.

So out went the pool tables and the jukebox, and in came a traditional menu packed full of homemade, reasonably priced pub food.

The pub was refurbished over a three-week period, and re-opened to serve lunch and dinner every day of the week, as well as Sunday roasts.

"We refurbished the pub because of money, basically," said manager Mike Grieve, 24, who has worked at the Foresters Arms since Abbey Ales took over four months ago.

"Before, the pub was dying," he said. "So we just decided it needed a complete overhaul. Things are really good now and it's picking right up.

"We are a little hidden out of the way, but people are coming in from all over."

Becoming a food-based pub has put more than £2,000 onto the Foresters Arms' profits so far this year, which Mr Grieve said was an incredible achievement.

Top of the menu is the Foresters' signature dish, the Bellringer steak and ale pie, at £6.50.

With gravy made with the award-winning Abbey Ales beer Bellringer, it highlights the traditional approach the Foresters takes to its food.

"There's no intention of going up-market," said Mr Grieve.

"But we're not really in competition with anyone as such, and we want to keep our prices down as much as possible."

The Foresters serves lunch from midday-2pm from Monday to Saturday and dinner from 6pm-9pm, with most meals costing £5.95 and an 8oz sirloin steak priced at £7.95.

They also serve a Sunday roast, with a choice of beef, pork or chicken with fresh vegetables for £6.95 that has seen the pub packed with diners.

Monday night is the Foresters' curry night, with a different curry on the menu each week.

Mr Grieve, who does all the cooking at the Foresters, added: "I've started going to Indian restaurants to look at their menus."

A curry with rice, poppadoms and a bottle of Indian lager or glass of wine costs £6.95, and the normal evening menu is available for those with slightly less exotic tastes.

Beers from the Abbey Ales brewery in Bath include the popular Bellringer and there are a number of guest ales.

FACT FILE:

• The Foresters Arms, 58 Goose Street, Beckington, (01373) 830864.

• Good value pub food.

• Open Monday to Saturday 12-2pm and 6-9pm
• Roasts served every Sunday 12-5pm.

• There is a curry night on Mondays.

• A range of Abbey Ales on sale including Bellringer and guest ales.

9:54am Thursday 3rd April 2008

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