A PUB landlord has praised his new chef for helping to transform his business.

Paul Davies, 34, took the helm at the Beef & Barge in Trowbridge Road, Bradford on Avon Marina, in May.

Two months later he appointed a new chef, Tom Davis and since then he said the pub has been transformed, and profits have doubled since last year.

Chef Tom Davis, 32, who grew up in west Wiltshire but has had training at the Savoy in London, has 16 years experience in the trade.

He previously worked at the Beef & Barge when it was called the Gongoozler and also spent time working at the Georgian Lodge in Bradford on Avon, where he specialised in fish dishes.

Now Mr Davis is trying to bring his favourite fish recipes to the Beef & Barge, where he fills two specials boards each day with a variety of meals.

Manager Mr Davies said: "He's brought a lot of fish dishes in and changed the carvery around.

"He makes a mean Sunday roast. It's making me fat!

"What he's really done is change the place from somewhere where we had complaints to somewhere where we have pure compliments. It's so much nicer as a manager to get compliments.

"He really is an excellent chef. If it's possible to do something he will do it."

Mr Davies has created a more family-oriented atmosphere in the pub. He has brought in pool tables, a plasma screen to watch sport and dart boards and now there are some lively sports clubs that meet there.

Mr Davies said it had been a challenge to take on management of the pub but it has been satisfying to see his improvements succeed.

"It was difficult to start off with but now I enjoy it because of the compliments and the people coming in enjoying themselves," he said.

Mr Davies said the key to success is providing what customers want and he thinks the combination of fine food and his plans for a new sports bar upstairs is a winning formula.