AFTER more than a year, the village of Kilve finally has its pub back up and running.

The Hood Arms closed for the first time in its 400 year history in February last year as the previous owner reportedly struggled to make ends meet.

The pub was purchased by Paul Spence and his business partner Paul Cuff, who have been working tirelessly for the past 10 months and held the official opening on Friday, June 30.

“We opened on Friday and have not stopped since,” said Mr Spence.

“We even had 38 people in on Monday night, I have been shellshocked by how busy its been,” he said.

Mr Spence has previously run The Windmill Inn up the road at West Quantoxhead and Mullions restaurant in Minehead, but had been retired for ten years before taking on this project.

“My partner’s mother is a resident in Kilve, and when the pub closed she could not believe it,” Mr Spence said.

Paul Cuff, who used to work with Mr Spence and said the two should purchase the Hood Arms and run it together.

“Things quickly progressed, we had a look round and decided to go for it,” Mr Spence said.

“The price was good but we have had to spend an awful lot renovating it, it was derelict.”

The owners have refurbished the Grade II-listed pub and restaurant, added new signage, and improved the hotel rooms ready for the re-opening.

Mr Spence said EDF had already been in touch about the possibility of Hinkley workers using the rooms.

“We had problems with TripAdvisor as there were reviews left over from when the previous owners were in charge giving a bad impression of the pub but customers have already been on there and been really positive,” he said.

Cllr Susan Goss who represents Quantock Vale said: “I think it is excellent news for the local community.

“It can be a central hub for the village and will be brilliant for tourists and residents.

“I wish the new owners every luck going forward and hope they can make it a big success.”