THE Coachman Inn in Hartford re-opened this week following a major £270,000 investment which has transformed the pub inside and out.

New landlords Chris and Vicky Lane are creating 15 jobs as a result of the investment in the pub.

Joining Chris and Vicky as the first to raise a glass to the pub’s new lease of life were former landlords Derek Shirley - who ran the pub 30 years ago from 1970 to 1992 - and Rod Clancy - who ran it for seven years between 2000 and 2007.

Situated opposite Hartford station, train passengers will be delighted to hear that The Coachman Inn will be serving real coffee and tea to take away or to drink in the pub’s new coffee and lounge areas which also have wi-fi available.

In the next few months Chris and Vicky’s plan is to start offering customers early morning breakfast.

The pub has been totally refurbished with walls removed to improve the flow within the pub, creating an open plan informal lounge/dining area with lots of wood and leather and open fires.

A ‘locals bar’ has been retained in the new scheme as Chris and Vicky intend to build a reputation for excellent quality cask ale.

As well as the new look interior and exterior, a new kitchen has been installed enabling The Coachman to offer traditional home cooked food.

The pub’s six letting rooms have also been redecorated.

Chris said: “Vicky and I fell in love with The Coachman from the first day we saw it. It has a great atmosphere and we realised it just needed some care and attention to turn it into a fantastic pub, offering great food and cask ale and a wide choice of wines.

“We’ve worked in the industry for years running popular pubs in London and the North West. What we’ve learnt along the way is that we are happiest running a friendly community pub where you get to know the locals.”

Former landlords Derek Shirley and Rod Clancy were impressed by the changes at the pub.

Derek said: “What is being done is brilliant because that is just what The Coachman needed.”

Rod added: “I’m delighted to see The Coachman has been given a new lease of life, particularly as I live in Hartford. I have another pub in the area, the Odd Fellows at Davenham, and think it’s important we help each other keep these great pubs alive.”