Homely pub The Forest Inn, at Ashurst, will soon boast an art gallery and souvenir shop featuring local wares and a revamped children’s playground with direct access to the forest.
New tenants Sharon Irving and Rob Campbell have been open just a month and are looking to run events including children’s entertainment and a cider festival.
They have signed a five-year lease for the pub, which has seen several changes of management in recent years.
“The locals have been so supportive. Phase one was about getting them back in, letting them know that we’re here and not going anywhere.
“We’ve spruced the place up a bit and given it a lick of paint and now we move on to getting the outside sorted. We want to sort out the playground and the garden and put some fairy lights up so people know we’re here and don’t miss us as they drive past.
“We’re already working with some local businesses and there will definitely be more.
“It’s just what we wanted – a pub with a community feel, part of the village, but with a main road for passing trade. We definitely offer something different from the other two pubs in Ashurst.”
Known locally as the bungalow pub, The Forest Inn is thought to date back to 1850.
It has Neck Oil and Flack’s ale on tap among an extensive drinks list, a log fire, book swap, monthly quiz and karaoke events, regular live music and a weekly meat draw.
