More than 200 people packed out Peasedown’s Prince of Wales Inn last Thursday night for the village pub’s re-opening night party, welcoming the new owners to the area.
New owners Gary Button and Terry Price were welcomed to the village with open arms as residents, community leaders and local councillors turned up for the occasion.
Closed for several months for renovation, Gary and Terry took ownership of the property in September.
Gary, who has run several restaurants, pubs and hotels in Bath and the surrounding area over the years, said: “In all my years of working in the industry I’ve never moved to a community where I’ve felt so openly embraced and welcomed.
“So many local people have supported us by giving up their time to help with DIY and helping to get the pub ready for the grand opening.”
Those attending last Thursday were treated to a free hog roast, free glass of prosecco and cheese platter as they arrived.
Terry, originally from the Midlands and a highly skilled bar and restaurant manager, added: “Gary and I have both wanted to run a community pub for some time, and when the Prince of Wales became available we jumped at the chance to go into business together.
“For decades, the pub has been a permanent feature on the side of Dunkerton Hill as people travel to and from Bath.
“We’re hoping, that with the support of the local community, we can ensure the Prince of Wales fulfills its full potential.”
Joining Gary and Terry at the grand opening were local Bath & North East Somerset Councillors Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan.
Cllr Bevan, officially representing the council for the evening, was given the honour of cutting the ribbon to declare the pub open.
She said: “Gary and Terry’s transformation of our much-loved Prince of Wales pub represents not just the realisation of their personal ambition, but also their commitment to our diverse and vibrant community of Peasedown St John.
“Their sacrifice and hard work are not the only ingredients they bring to the Prince of Wales – their years of professionalism and expertise in the hospitality industry come with them.”
Cllr Karen Walker, who has been heavily supportive of the plans to re-open the pub, added: “In all the 45 years I’ve been a part of Peasedown St John, the Prince of Wales Inn has always been a popular and attractive place to visit.
“It’s pleasant and welcoming atmosphere means it’s a pub suited for the whole family, ‘regulars’ and visitors from afar.
“I’m looking forward to visiting the Prince of Wales over the coming months to see how Gary and Terry are getting on.”
The Prince of Wales, Dunkerton Hill, Peasedown St John, will be open weekdays from 12 noon – 3 pm and 5 pm – 11pm, and all day Saturday and Sundays from 12 noon.
From Wednesday 14th October, the pub will be serving traditional home-made meals each day until 9pm.
The venue also boasts a sun terrace to the rear with beautiful scenic views across the Cam Valley, and gin bar with inspirations from the 1920’s.
Plans also include new Beer-Food-Wine pairings where meals purchased can be matched up to selected beers and ales based on expert advice.
More than 70 people applied for 10 vacancies at the new Prince of Wales Inn.
With the expert guidance of horticulturalist Kingsley Graves, owners Gary and Terry have transformed the tiered flower beds and hand made the baskets at the front of the pub. They plan to enter Bath in Bloom next year with Kingsley’s continued assistance and guidance.
For more details about the Prince of Wales Inn, contact 01761 434262 or email [email protected].
