CHEF Jerry Edwards, 36, has completely revamped The Packhorse Inn in Corsham, and given it a new identity.

The Cornishman took over the pub with his girlfriend, Nathalie Bellamy, 28, and plans to re-open it at the end of next week.

The pub was closed after the previous landlord went bankrupt after a series of problems.

It has now been renamed the Flemish Weaver to recognise the part of Corsham in which it stands, near the Flemish Cottages.

Mr Edwards said: "It has had a major refit and looks superb now. I think it will be something a little bit special and different for Corsham."

The pub has had additional lighting fitted to give it a bright new look and it will be 80 per cent non-smoking.

Mr Edwards said he hopes to attract older customers and people wanting to come for a meal or a drink in a quiet, non-smoky atmosphere.

"It is still a pub but with restaurant quality food. I am doing very traditional English food such as toad-in-the-hole and faggots," he said.

Miss Bellamy will be the landlord and in charge of running the bar and Mr Edwards will head up the kitchen.

Mr Edwards said: "We are opposite Corsham Court so a lot of our business will be tourists. We will be doing cream teas and homemade apple pie during the day."

The couple moved from London where they had lived for the last six years, but Mr Edwards insists he is not a city boy.He said: "I was brought up in Cornwall and spent 30 years there. I feel like I am returning back to the countryside."

The pub will serve real ales and there will be a guest beer every few weeks as well as a regular selection.

The emphasis will be on quality and local produce at a reasonable price.

Mr Edwards said: "We want the choice of products to be just a little bit better than your average pub. We are getting produce including sausages and rainbow trout from the local area."

Mr Edwards has worked as a chef for nine years but it is his first attempt at running a pub.

He said: "It is a brilliant change from London. It is a new adventure for me."