LACOCK’S award-winning Sign of the Angel inn has gone from strength to strength since it was taken over by two local brothers almost three years ago.

The 15th-century coaching inn is currently run by brothers Tom and Jack Nicholas, who took over the business in 2014 alongside chef Jon Furby.

The trio have transformed the establishment into a popular destination for locals, tourists and commuters with its three restaurant areas and five bedrooms.

Such has been the success of the Sign of the Angel that it was awarded Pub/Inn of the Year by Sawday’s last year and has been given two Rosettes from the AA for its restaurant.

Tom Nicholas, who also runs the nine-hole Whitley Golf Club with his brother, said: “We knew Jon from the golf club. We’ve known him for years and when the opportunity came up to take over the inn we talked about it with him.

“Without Jon we wouldn’t really have gone for it. He knows this type of business better than we do. He has worked in the area for 20 years and does have a reputation that people associate with good food.

“But when we opened it was better than expected to be honest.”

The two brothers, who have both studied business courses at university, grew up on a farm in Whitley and are now keen to bring that experience into the business by producing and sourcing their own food in the near future.

“We’ve got a paddock out the back so we are going to try and grow our own fruit and veg,” added Mr Nicholas.

“Our parents don’t have a farm anymore but we’ve still got some space and gradually we’re thinking of getting some pigs and sheep.

“It’s a gradual thing, I would say it takes three years to put your mark down and we’ve still got a bit of work to do to get our name out there.”