MyNewPub

Palk Arms

Hennock, Devon

Agent: Bettesworths

The Palk Arms, at Hennock, in Devon, has been taken over by Kevin Morgan and Susan Cocks, who bring with them a wealth of trade experience.

Kevin has been in the trade nearly 20 years and most recently worked alongside his father at the nearby Anchor, in Cockwood.

Susan has worked in pubs for several years and the Palk Arms is the couple's first pub.

"It's going well, the locals have started to come back in. The pub was a bit of a mess because it was shut for six weeks before we came in," said Kevin.

The pair are gradually re-decorating the whole pub

themselves and have just finished restoring the bar area to

its former glory.

The pub now offers four real ales and Kevin is keen to build up a good reputation for serving beer in good condition. He said: "It's a real advantage being free of tie. I can shop around for the best deals on my beer. I find St Austell Brewery's ales particularly good and they are great value - we've got three on at the moment."

The pub is currently serving light snacks, but the kitchen is due to be refitted over the next few months. The catering side of the business is to be headed up by Sue, who will create a menu of traditional pub grub. The couple are also planning to get more live music into the pub in the form of local bands.

Hennock, which overlooks the Teign Valley, has a

population of roughly 150 and is close to the town of Bovey Tracy. Two reservoirs attract walkers and people on fishing trips, which will create a welcome boost to the business in the summer months.

Kevin said that the pub had been under performing under the previous owner, who ran the pub under management.

Kevin and Sue have been greatly encouraged by the feedback they have received since arriving at the Palk three months ago - with the newly reinstated locals commenting on the cleanliness of the pub and the quality of the ales.

The biggest problem for the Palk at the moment is the regulars abstaining after the excesses of Christmas, "We've got some big drinkers here, but they all calm down and have a bit of a detox in January," said Kevin.