THE Churchill Arms in West Lavington has been taken over and given a new lease of life with an added personal touch.
John and Lesley Williams want their pub to be for villagers and passers-by alike. After previously running a hotel, the couple decided to move on to the more social side of the service industry.
Mr Williams, 61, said: “We used to run a hotel but we got fed up with making beds. So we started looking for a pub so we could do food and drinks and have the more social aspect.
“I am the chef at the pub and my wife acts as front of house, but we are very hands on and we do a little bit of everything.”
Since moving into the pub Mr and Mrs Williams have started giving the pub a facelift as well as introducing more fresh produce on the menu.
Mr Williams said: “We have redecorated the bar, stripped down the tables and re-varnished our restaurant room for the carvery. We decided to serve real fresh food.”
The Williams’ approach to running their pub has already received comments from the patrons, as both of them make the habit of dealing directly with customers.
“We have to try and get customers back,” said Mr Williams, “Customers say it is nice to have the landlord and lady behind the bar instead of a number of youngsters. At least we are hands on and talk to customers. We like to give it a personal touch.”
