A PUB which closed its doors to punters last month has reopened under new management.

Keith Swingler has reopened The Blue Bell in Callow End after the previous landlady, Sue Donohoe, left after nearly 14 years in the business.

Mr Swingler, aged 52, has been in the hospitality industry for 14 months, and has been running another pub in Ledbury, the Brewery Inn.

Mr Swingler, from Ledbury, said: “I’m a good character, I’m a people’s person. I talk to anyone and have a laugh and a joke.

“I was told the landlady at The Blue Bell wanted to walk away and no one wanted to take it on.

“I fell in love with the place and decided to take it on for five years.”

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The pub reopened on Sunday, September 27 and Mr Swingler said business has been busy since the opening, despite coronavirus restrictions.

He said: “I want to make it back into a community pub. I have done my homework and realised this place was a meeting place for residents in the village and the local community. We are bringing the locals back in.”

Two new chefs have been recruited, as well as two 16-year-old part time members of staff from Callow End.

Mr Swingler added: “It’s nice experience for both of them. Being 16 they have to learn to clock in and clock out and listen to people. Also, at that age youngsters aren’t great at communicating with different people – so it’s about them being on a restaurant floor and chatting to people.”

A few changes have been made to the pub - such as a new menu and coffee machine, a Jukebox has been fitted, traditional chairs and tables to fit the theme and new 50 inch TV’s with Sky and BT. He is planning on revamping the front of the pub, adding picket fences and outdoor heaters and will also encourage dog walkers, cyclists, and walkers to pop in to visit.

Mr Swingler has bought a London taxi which will be used for advertising and to deliver food to locals.

The restaurant will serve homemade food from 12pm to 8pm Monday to Sunday, and the bar side is open from 12pm to 10pm, Monday to Sunday.