BRATTON pub The Duke has been taken over by new landlords who have already revamped the menu and have more changes in the pipeline.

Tracey and Rick James have taken over from Andy and Lyn Hobbs, who are moving on after seven years manning the pub’s barrels.

The James have a long history of pub management and are hoping that the pub will be just as popular after the departure of their predecessors.

Mr James said: “We used to run the Stage Post in West Lavington which did quite well. We then went into the catering industry for a bit and came back into the pub trade about 18 months ago, managing the White Hart in the Cotswolds.

“This opportunity then arose and we decided to take it.

“We’ve always lived in the area so it seemed like a great opportunity.

“Our aim is to provide high quality food at a reasonable price.

“We have already changed the menu and we now have pub classics such as a grill section along with the likes of sea bass and confit belly pork.

“We’ll also be serving my speciality ribs, with a sauce recipe I’ve been perfecting over the years to make the ribs incredibly tender and tasty.

“The outgoing manager will be missed so it will take a bit of time for people to adjust.

“People were afraid that we were going to turn it into a gastro pub or even a restaurant but it will remain a good village pub serving very nice food.

“We’re looking forward to people from the village coming to try our new menu.”

Mr and Mrs James have plans to renovate the interior and open three en-suite rooms upstairs for guests.