Monthly community events and uncovering fantastic Wiltshire views are just part of a new chapter for The Duke Hotel in Hilmarton.

Landlords John and Lesley Williams, who took over the Arkell’s pub in March this year, have revamped the menus and are introducing monthly events such as pub quizzes and live music.

Mrs Williams said: “We love the social side, though running your own pub is very different to working for someone else.

“At the beginning we were working 18 hours a day, and then getting up and doing it all again the next day. Now we’re more settled and it’s brilliant.”

They have redecorated the bar, dining area and guest bedrooms, and tackled the overgrown garden.

Mr Williams said: “We cut down a number of huge shrubs and were stunned when a fabulous view across the Wiltshire countryside was revealed. It’s transformed the pub and is the most wonderful place for customers to sit in the evenings.

“We’ve created secluded nooks for couples as well as a large family area, with a new summerhouse where children can play safely.”

Mrs Williams spent 30 years in credit claims management and her husband was a roofer and builder previously, when they lived in Swindon.

Their pub has received the national Cask Marque approval for the quality of its cask ales.

The Duke at Hilmarton was built in 1843 and originally had its own brewery out the back, a building which is now listed.

Arkell’s bought the pub in 1923 and moved brewing to its main hub in Swindon.