A PUB in Bushton near Lyneham reopened on Friday, May 1, after a £200,000 renovation by new owners Ian and Jan Tucker.

The Tuckers bought the Trotting Horse over two years ago and have been working on transforming the building ever since to create a quirky main bar, cellar wine bar and restaurant.

Externally, the couple have re-done the car park, laid a new patio, fitted new external doors while completing gutting the inside, building a new ceiling, re-plastering, new carpets, toilets and a stripped and replaced the kitchen.

In addition, the 1960s building which played host to a skittles alley has been replaced by two one-bed holiday lets.

Mrs Tucker said: “The pub was in a hell of a state but has been totally transformed. It was a major job, the whole place is clean and fresh and it’s all been decorated.

“You would never believe this quirky bar and cellar bar, which normally you can find in the centre of London, is nestling here in the Wiltshire countryside.

“It’s very quirky with lots of wooden beams; I don’t think people will find a pub around like it.

“We are hoping to create a relaxed friendly atmosphere with good food and we hope that people will return.”

The couple have owned four other run-down pubs in four different counties, turning them around and selling them on.

They bought the Trotting Horse as an early retirement project whilst also being closer to family.

Mrs Tucker said: “It’s a nice setting. We’ve had maybe 15 or 20 days which we have had off, we have been at it solid, but it’s really lovely now.”

The pub will be open from 6pm on Fridays and Saturday and from noon to 9pm on Sunday with food served until 9pm on Friday and Saturday and until 7pm on Sunday including a carvery at lunchtime.

For more information visit, www.trotting-horse.co.uk, booking for food is recommended on 01793 731 846.