Brothers hailed as heroes for saving pub

Two brothers have come to the rescue of a Cotswold pub once threatened by redevelopment plans under former owners fashion guru George Davies and his wife, Fiona.

Davies who launched Asda's George and Marks & Spencer's Per Una range of clothing and his wife took over the Horse & Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill in 1996, but claimed the business was not viable and applied to convert it into a house.

Furious villagers claimed that the pub was doomed to failure after food was axed and hours were cut to just 11 a week.

The Davies withdrew their planning application in April.

Brothers Tom and Will Greenstock, whose parents run the Howard Arms in Ilmington, Warwickshire, took over the freehold two weeks ago and were greeted as heroes by locals at the re-launch party. 'On the opening night, we invited the locals to come and meet us, said head chef Will Greenstock.

'It was fantastic. It seemed like the whole village turned up and they were all very pleased.

The pair are now looking forward to reviving the business. 'The pub is in a great location and has huge potential, said Greenstock. 'When we took over, the pub was only open three nights a week and there was no food but it's been a case of so far so good for us. It has been nice and steady and business has been increasing.

Food had not been served at the Horse & Groom for four years but the Greenstocks see its reintroduction as an integral part of their business plan. 'It has always been a part of the plan to serve up good food, said Greenstock.