MyNewPub

Three Wheat Heads Inn

Thropton, Northumberland

Agent: Davey & Co

The team behind this pub has completely turned business around since taking over in December. Evening services at the food-led pub used to attract less than 20 customers - but now the pub regularly sees 100 people in its dining room.

The Punch Taverns leasehold was purchased by mother-and-daughter team Joyce and Rhian Jones, with ex-property developer Simon Harris overseeing day-to-day operations.

Phase one of the building works, now underway, will see the restaurant area completely renovated and the installation of a stainless-steel catering kitchen.

Phase two is a re-furb of the lounge bar and rooms and phase three will see a large external building transformed into a restaurant overspill/function room.

Of the £200,000 put aside for the work, £50,000 has been used so far. Simon Harris said: "This pub's always had an excellent name for food, but with no investment it was getting a bit run-down, and a lot of clutter needed sorting."

The pub offers a traditional pub menu, with more

upmarket evening catering specialising in freshly-caught fish from nearby North Shields Fish Quay.

"The fish is fantastic value - and you can't get any fresher," said Harris.

Food prices have been reduced and the pub now offers good quality food at more reasonable prices. The pub is passionate about real ales and regularly changes its brands. Harris said: "We try to stock a good range and always keep them in tip-top condition."