A POPULAR Taunton pub is set for a new chapter as well-known local publican Ricardo Freitas prepares to take over The Racehorse Inn.
The venue, located on East Reach, will officially reopen with a grand opening event on today (October 31), from 3pm until midnight, featuring live music from The Man From Funkle from 8pm.
Mr Freitas, who also runs The Plough Inn on Station Road, said he was "delighted" to secure the pub.
He will take over the lease and work with Red Oak Taverns. You can get in touch with the new team by calling the landline at 01823 802312.
Speaking to the County Gazette, Ricardo said: "It's a lovely pub. Since I moved to Taunton, I've always known it.
"I decided to speak with the landlords and we came to an agreement.
"I'm really happy to take over and everything is ready.
"We're ready to start on Saturday."
The experienced hospitality manager has become a familiar face in Taunton's pub and restaurant scene, having previously worked at venues including The Castle Hotel, Mattancherry and Koottaan, before taking over The Plough Inn in late 2024.
Looking ahead, Mr Freitas hopes to establish The Racehorse Inn as a destination for regular live entertainment.
"On weekends we're going to have bands and live music," he said.
"At this time of year it's quite complicated because most of the bands are already booked, but I'll try my best."
He also intends to make use of the pub's darts, snooker and skittles facilities by hosting a range of sporting events.
"The place has darts, a snooker table and skittles," he added
"I will try to use those sports to create some events, something a bit different from The Plough."
Plans are also in place to transform the pub's large courtyard and garden during the summer months.
Mr Freitas said: "The plan is to create pop-up food events with live music from the afternoon until late.
"We want to create a small stage at the back and have food stalls with different types of cuisine, street food style."
He also hopes to support young and aspiring musicians and DJs by providing opportunities for them to perform in public.
"We want to invite a new generation as well, young DJs and young musicians.
"It will give them the opportunity to play in public for the first time."
During the winter months, the pub will be open five days a week, closing on Sundays and Mondays.
Ricardo has said that opening hours will be 3pm to 11pm from Tuesday to Thursday and 3pm to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
As trade picks up in the spring, Mr Freitas hopes to reopen on Sundays with music-focused events, including open mic sessions.
The grand opening takes place on Saturday, October 31, with residents invited to call in and experience the pub's new era under its latest management.
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