A COMMUNITY pub near Taunton has taken another step forward this month - and opened a cafe.

The New Inn, Halse, was saved by the community who pledged £330,000 to keep their local open, and almost £460,000 was raised to purchase, repair, refurnish and relaunch the pub, which opened last year.

READ MORE: The New Inn, Halse, opens after five-week refurbishment

READ MORE: Halse community pledges £330,000 to save the New Inn

And now the New Inn has opened a new cafe in the revamped skittle alley.

It has now completed all the initial targeted projects projects including a refurbished bar and restaurant, six redecorated and upgraded rooms, a new garden space and finally the café.

READ MORE: Pub garden revamp for New Inn, Halse

When the community opened the pub, villagers were asked what they would want - and a daytime meeting place, and cafe, came out top.

During the day, the room will be a cafe and then in the evenings it will revert back to a traditional skittle alley, manned by a mixture of voluntary and paid staff.

Mike Davis, vice chairman of the Halse & District Community Benefit Society, said: "This is an important week for the New Inn with the opening of our new café.

"The skittle alley has been completely transformed into a bright, light and airy venue - perfect for a morning coffee with friends.

"A café was always a priority for many villagers, a daytime welcoming space to relax and meet friends.

"The exciting solution at the New Inn is a café by day and a skittle alley by night making the best use of the great space in the pub."

The New Inn will cafe will be open from Wednesday until Saturday, 10.30am until 3pm.

It will serve hot and cold drinks, cakes and snacks, and there are plans to run seniors lunches as well as host themed meals.

A series of small group open days are being held at the pub in June and July to allow shareholders to see the renovations and future plans for the New Inn.