The refurbishment and reopening of the oldest pub in Totnes has been heralded as a great success through its new owners’ commitment to traditional values.

Brothers Rob and Alex acquired the leasehold interest on the Kingsbridge Inn in January but had to wait until July 22nd to open to the public because a frozen pipe burst in December which led to a major refurbishment of the timber work in the roof and front gable wall.

Rob Young said: “We looked around for a pub that has potential in terms of developing the food and music offerings but also retained the look and feel of a traditional English pub.  We want to remind people that pub’s are about hospitality, friendliness and welcome and not service by numbers.  We aim to provide quality locally produced food at value for money which is prepared by very accomplished chefs.  We also want to introduce quality live music on a regular basis.”

The Kingsbridge comprises a traditional bar with wood burner, a 24 cover restaurant with further internal and external dining capacity, a first floor function room with bar capable of seating 50 people theatre style and an upper decked patio area.

42 year-old Rob Young is financial director of the family’s Ashburton based medical business while 39 year-old Alex has over 20 years experience in catering including running his own restaurant in the north of England and five years on the QE2.  They are supported by highly experienced bar manager Stewart Sivarajah.

The acquisition of the business and the setting up of a company to run it was facilitated by Sam Cook of chartered accountants Francis Clark LLP.  She said: “Rob and Alex are wildly enthusiastic about this venture.  They have a clear vision of what they want to achieve and a very sound business plan to help them do it.  They will succeed through a combination of innovation and tradition.”

The music loving brothers intend providing a new, eclectic programme of live music including folk, jazz, classical and musical theatre and have acquired a piano for the function room.

Alex Young added: “We have only just opened but people are responding very positively to what we are trying to achieve.  In addition to good food, music and a well kept cellar, we benefit from being surrounded by large public car parks which are free after 6pm.”

The business is also very child-friendly with a 'kids menu' designed by children from the Abbey School, Torquay; one of the teachers at the school is a good friend of Alex and Rob's.

They also have a ghost.  In fact, legend has it there are several of them, the most notable being Mary Brown, a barmaid murdered in the 17th century and, after being buried somewhere in the pub now appears only to women with whom she feels a connection.