AN HISTORIC Cheshire village inn has reopened following a £150,000 investment.

Licensees Jon and Lindsay Cox hope to breathe new life into The Yew Tree Inn, on the border of Spurstow and Bunbury, near Tarporley, after it closed abruptly two years ago.

The couple, who want to create a community venue and quality informal dining destination, aim to replicate their success in transforming the former derelict Bull at Shocklach, near Malpas.

Cask ale enthusiast Jon said: “We plan some great events, including a Game Food Festival in November and aim to create a welcoming pub venue for the community with support for local groups. We will have cask ale at the pub’s heart and hold regular beer festivals.

“This is major business expansion for us at a very challenging time, with pubs closing everyday. However, as we pull out of recession, we are convinced that a quality village pub with excellent, affordable, food and cask ale from craft brewers will prosper.”

Jon, originally from Lancashire, and Nantwich-born Lindsay will oversee both businesses while remaining at the Bull.

Chester man Ed Warrington, 28, will manage the thirty-strong Yew Tree team. He was formerly with premier pub company Brunning & Price as assistant manager of The Grosvenor, Alford.

Head chef is Steve Monk who has experience at several premier Cheshire venues. Sally Chantler, who has worked at the Bull, will act as a ‘roving’ manager to support both pubs.

Yew Tree owners Simon and Chrissie Lees-Jones have worked closely with the couple to invest in the refurbishment. Interior design work was carried out by the acclaimed Lister Carter of Alford, who also designed the imaginative revamp of the Bull and Chester’s Oddfellows venue.