WHEN Dave Smith bought The Ropsley Fox it was an empty shell, but in the last 18 months he has transformed it into an inviting village pub.
It now caters for functions, offers an extensive menu, has music-themed nights and its own football, darts and pool teams.
He said: “Twenty years ago this was the pub in the area, we are just trying to build the reputation back up at the moment. We really want to bring it back to where it was.
“When we’ve done music nights we’ve had a fantastic night.”
The large pub, which has a conservatory, separate dining rooms and outside seating, is already popular with locals for its quirky layout, which features a table in a cove.
Dave said: “It’s been great fun getting stuck in and refurbishing the place, it’s a lovely setting. I’m learning as I go along. In the future we might look at putting in some accommodation as well.”
Dave went into business with his wife Madeleine in 2007 when they bought The White Lion in Colsterworth.
He said: “Our chef there is fantastic and a lot of the success is owed to him, it’s gone from strength to strength. We’re looking to do that here.
“I just want people to try it. We offer quality food at sensible prices. The potential here is enormous and we’re getting a lot of positive feedback.”
The Ropsley Fox, which is in Grantham Road, Ropsley, is open Wednesdays to Sundays, and also bank holidays.