MyNewPub

Spinners Arms,

Cummersdale, Cumbria

Agent: Guy Simmonds

Alain and Alison Davis have just taken on the Spinners Arms in Cumbria. They bought the freehold of the Grade II-listed building off an asking price of £320,000.

Alain was formerly a manager of a children's home and Alison worked in marketing. Alain said: "We just wanted something for ourselves, we've been here for about a week and we're both really enjoying ourselves.

"The pub was refitted three years ago, so there isn't too much to do. It currently opens for limited hours, which is something we hope to change when we get some staff. We're taking things slowly because the pub's got a healthy trade at the moment, partly because it's the only one in the village."

The couple plan to introduce a simple food offer and will consider some marketing ideas once they are settled in.

Alison said: "The last couple that ran this place were fantastic, but the regulars have given us a warm welcome. Our busiest nights are Friday and Sunday because we have a lot of darts teams. We're looking to do more with cask ales; we've currently only got one, Fuller's Summer Ale. We're also looking to get Campaign for Real Ale and Cask Marque accreditation."

Jim Davison, of Guy Simmonds, said: "The Spinners, which had been quietly traded by the previous owners, was snapped up as soon as it came onto the market. It provided the perfect opportunity for the couple to purchase their first freehold property."