A VILLAGE pub is serving locals and visitors in time for Christmas.

The Queen Inn, Great Corby reopened its doors again this week after closing in the summer.

The pub situated in the centre of the village has been taken over by Robert and Sylvia Cowan and business partners David and Roweena Corkill.

After getting the keys last month they have been frantically trying to get the place ready to reopen by refurbishing, recruiting staff and making sure everything is in place for the festive season.

Major changes include revamping the upstairs restaurant and making it into one dining room, redecorating the lounge area and putting fresh touches to the rest of the premises.

Before the official reopening locals were invited to go alone and try out what was on offer with free drinks and snacks.

Robert explained: “The reaction from locals has been fantastic and we’re hoping we can count on their continued support so this becomes the kind of pub everyone wants in their village.

“We’ll be serving good beers and tasty food in a warm, welcoming environment but we’re also a meeting place for those wanting a coffee and somewhere to relax.”

On Facebook, customer Gill Bruce, said: “Lovely to meet our new publicans and staff. Some little tweaks have made the rooms cosy and more user friendly, it’s going to be busy in there.”

The pub is open seven days a week from 11am serving bar meals, with the restaurant open from 5pm.

The Corkills and Cowans are also rebuilding the Golden Fleece at Ruleholme, near Brampton.