THE Kings Arms in Monkton Farleigh has re-opened its doors following a £300,000 refurbishment by owners Punch Taverns.

Three years ago the pub - which was for a short while known as the Muddy Duck, causing local outrage - was facing closure until villagers banded together to run it for the company while they searched for a permanent tenant.

The Kings Arms will now continue to be run by Charlotte Davies and Lewis Parsons, who took over the pub in August 2018.

Charlotte, who is from Cardiff, said: “We love this pub and the village and we are so excited for all our customers to see its fresh new look.

“The Kings Arms is a real community pub and we are passionate about ensuring the pub remains the central hub of Monkton Farleigh.”

Following the refurbishment, Punch’s MD of operations, Andy Spencer said: “The Kings Arms is a stunning pub with a natural charm.

“It was important that this was maintained, and we are extremely pleased with the investment and are confident that this will continue to be an integral business in the beautiful village of Monkton Farleigh.

“Charlotte and Lewis are passionate about the pub and I’m sure it will be a fantastic community pub, open and welcoming to all who visit the area.’’

The refurbishment included a full internal redecoration with new furnishings. The beer garden has also been updated and it has four B&B rooms.

Local resident, Richard Forsyth, 45, said villagers were “delighted” with the Punch Taverns investment.

“Charlotte and Lewis have transformed the pub and have brought it up a level. The Kings Arms has got great character and a lot of history.

“It is a lovely pub in beautiful surroundings and is one of reasons why my wife and I moved into the village.”

Tahli Martin, another local, added: “I think it looks amazing. It looks the best it has looked for a long time. Everybody is really chuffed with it. It’s just nice to have the pub open again.”

The 153-year-old pub is steeped in history and is rumoured to be one of Wiltshire’s most haunted inns.

The 17th century pub was built on the site of parts of an 11th century Clunaic priory. Punch owns and operates 1,300 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.