LITTLE Somerford pub, the Somerford Arms, entered a new era this month when it was taken over and revamped by the Stallan family who used to live in the village.

New landlords Fay and Tony Stallan launched their new venture at a busy opening night on Saturday, July 15. The pub is the second feather in the couple’s cap after Fay left her job in marketing, trained as a chef and opened Fay’s Bistro and Delicatessen in Calne four years ago.

Former residents of Little Somerford, Fay and Tony knew the Somerford Arms well and jumped at the chance to take over in June. Their son, Paul, will be the general manager.

Fay said: “We’ve had such a wonderful experience getting settled in at the pub. The staff have welcomed us with open arms and people in the village have been so supportive. We were full to the rafters on the opening night – about 250 people came through – and we’ve been almost booked up for dinner every night since.

“We took on the Somerford Arms because it’s always been a great pub and the Somerford communities are good to local businesses. We’re delighted with how well things have gone so far.”

Somerford Arms owner Diane Beverley said: “Fay has successfully established and built her business in Calne, which delivers delicious food and superb service to many happy customers.

“Most of the staff have chosen to stay with Fay and deliver her new exciting ideas, not only for lunch and dinner, but widening the offering to leisurely breakfasts on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, morning coffee, wonderful cakes and pastries, and afternoon tea.”