AN HISTORIC pub which closed in October re-opens under new management next week. The Brocket Arms, in Ayot St Lawrence, shut its doors in the autumn when long-serving landlord

AN HISTORIC pub which closed in October re-opens under new management next week.

The Brocket Arms, in Ayot St Lawrence, shut its doors in the autumn when long-serving landlord Toby Wingfield-Digby returned to his native Dorset.

The inn has since been bought by Howard and Suzy Sharp, and will be opening to the public on Monday.

Suzy, of Blackmore End, told the WHT: "We are looking forward to meeting our local community.

"The pub will open for morning coffee, lunches, bar snacks and evening meals.

"We will also offer a good range of real ales in the tradition of the pub."

She added: "There are six bed and breakfast rooms, all of which have been refurbished to a high standard."

The 14th century inn has been renovated, but Suzy said the character of the building remained.

"We wanted to preserve the traditions of the pub, but we also wanted to be able to offer some decent, competitively priced food," she said.

Andrew Knight has been appointed head chef and Suzy said the pub would offer "modern British food".

"Andrew trained with Gordon Ramsay and he has also worked with Phil Thompson at Auberge du Lac," she said. "He is an experienced local chef with his own unique culinary style, championing seasonal and local ingredients.