THE new owners of the former Oliver Cromwell pub, near Bromham, reopened it as the Coconut Indian restaurant this week.

The restaurant had a private opening party on Sunday night which was attended by family, friends and mayors of Devizes and Chippenham, with Devizes Mayor Roger Giraud Saunders cutting the ribbon.

A grand opening for customers, which was a sell-out, was then held on Monday.

Muhammad Islam, who is joint owner with Muhammad Husain, said: “Both events went really really well.

“People have waited a long time for this type of restaurant in Devizes and we have had a great response so far as we have been fully booked most of this week."

The historic building at St Edith’s Marsh was sold by pub chain Enterprise Inns in March to the new owners after the former landlord, Tony Okun, was made to leave just days after signing a new tenancy agreement in December last year.

Mr Okun tried to fight the eviction but was forced to leave the pub in February despite villagers campaigning for him to stay.

The new restaurant, which seats 150 people, will now be open seven days a week at lunchtime and in the evenings.

To book a table at The Coconut call (01380) 859999.