The new landlords at a village pub which has been called “cursed” are hoping local knowledge will turn its fortunes around.

Tan Alexander and her husband Andy recently took over The Bell Inn, in Great Cheverell, and reopened the pub on Saturday, March 18.

They told this paper The Bell has struggled with the issues caused by the pandemic in recent years.

A previous landlord was jailed for five years in 2022, but the Alexanders are confident the pub is now on the up.

Mrs Alexander said: “Some people will say the pub is haunted or cursed but we’re hoping to break that. We’ve seen it when it’s been run well and that’s what we want to bring it back to.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

“The community here is really great and the pub has always been the heart of that community.

“For us it’s about making sure the pub stays here for the community and showcases Great Cheverell for neighbouring villages, so they want to come here.

“We’ve got a really great pub and a great community and we’re trying to make people feel as welcome as possible.”

The pair have never run a pub before, although they have worked at The Bell for previous owners, but fell in love with the pub and the village when they moved to the area ten years ago.

Mrs Alexander added: “We found the village by chance and absolutely fell in love with it and have bought our forever home here.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Food from the new menu at The Bell Inn.Food from the new menu at The Bell Inn. (Image: The Bell Inn)

“The lease came up on the pub and we had been in the village for quite a while. It had always been one of those things we thought would be great if we had the opportunity one day.

“That opportunity came up which was a bit of a dream. This pub is the beating heart of the village and we’re part of this community, so we wanted to take it on to make sure it stays true to what the area needs.”

The Alexanders have refreshed both the pub and the menu since taking over.

This included repainting the inside of the pub and reorganising the seating area to cater for larger parties.

“The menu has completely changed”, Mrs Alexander said. “We’re offering really good pub food and a few more dishes that are a bit more special, things you wouldn’t cook for yourself.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Food from the new menu at The Bell Inn.Food from the new menu at The Bell Inn. (Image: The Bell Inn)

“We’re committed to using local produce where we can as well.”