SOMERSET'S longest skittle alley is to reopen after more than two years as part of a £200k refurbishment of the Washford Inn in Washford.

The new licensees, Minehead couple Cyril Higham and Vanessa Smith believe the 90-feet long alley could be the longest in the UK

The Washford Inn will close for five weeks while work is carried out and is expected to reopen in mid August.

The investment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars, will restore the run down pub to its former glory for serving great food and meeting the needs of the community.

The pub, which lies next to the West Somerset steam railway is popular with both locals and users of the line.

When it re-opens, the Washford Inn will have a new menu focusing on pub favourites during the day and offering restaurant-quality meals in the evening.

“The cream for the teas and ice cream will come from the cows grazing behind the pub and you can’t get much more local than that,” said Cyril.

A former pub and hotel manager, Cyril has been working as a building site supervisor in recent years and Vanessa as a care home manager in Minehead but the pair dreamt of having their own pub.

“We fell in love with the Washford Inn as soon as we saw it but it needed a lot of investment and care," explained Vanessa.

"We want to make the Washford Inn an asset for the village and a pub locals can be proud of.”

Inside, the pub and its eight-bed hotel will be redecorated and refitted throughout to a high standard. Barista quality coffee will be added and the kitchen upgraded.

Chris Jowsey, trading director for Star Pubs & Bars, added: “It’s tough running a pub with increasing competition for customers' disposable income. Heineken is a passionate supporter of the great British pub and has invested in pubs like the Washford Inn to help them deliver excellent quality, attract customers and thrive at the heart of their communities for years to come.”