THE Wheelbarrow Castle pub can boast a rich history and some famous visitors and is now back in family hands as it re-opens today.

Gemma Fernihough, aged 28, and her partner Murray Spencer, 25, are opening the pub’s doors to the public once again, just as Gemma’s great-grandfather did more than 100 years ago.

Time has been called on six weeks of refurbishment and the pub is ready to welcome its customers, but Miss Fernihough knows she has big boots to fill.

“My family are all really happy to see the pub back in the family, but I know I have a hard act to follow after my great-grandfather,” she said.

“We’re hoping for a great turn-out though.

“We have sent out many invitations to make people aware and have really listened to customers’ recommendations during the refurbishing process.

“My partner and I have made it a very family friendly pub, which is the direction we want to send it in. We have built a play area for the children and catered for them on the menu, which we hope will attract people from all areas.”

The pub has quite the reputation in its Radford base, near Inkberrow, which was gained under Miss Fernihough’s great-grandfather’s guidance.

Alf Ewins was the longest- serving landlord in the UK until he died in 1966. He took over the pub in 1907, and was well known and much loved in the area.

Mr Ewins also had some highly esteemed friends who often came to visit him, further enhancing the pub’s already glowing reputation.

Former Evesham MP, Sir Rupert de La Bere, remained friends with Mr Ewins throughout the rest of his career as Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.

Mr Ewins also used to spend time with Britain’s wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The politician often hunted in the Evesham area and the pair remained in contact through his years in office.

Miss Fernihough is keen to continue its success and says she is “excited for the future”.

The official opening begins at 7pm. A live music act will be entertaining and there is also a free menu t