The Bakers Arms in Broad Campden has been acquired by village residents Richard and Gail Smith, with plans to revive the Grade 2 listed pub.

Although being two of just 100 residents in the village, the Smiths were adamant about preventing another rural pub closure after the previous landlords retired.

The Bakers Arms, a 19th-century inn, has been featured on various television shows including ITV’s Father Brown.

Broad Campden was also recognised by Travel Away in 2022 as one of the most beautiful villages in the UK.

The Smiths' procurement of the pub marks the beginning of a collaborative venture.

It will be leased to and managed in a joint arrangement with Cotswold caterers, The Relish Group, together with fellow village residents Stephen and Charlotte Gabb.

Mr Smith said: "I know the pub is important to the village but as neighbours we are also looking forward to opening the doors to all Cotswold’s residents, walkers and visitors alike.

"We have already been contacted by the Cotswold Morris Dancers, who practice and perform at The Bakers Arms and can’t wait to welcome them back."

Plans are in place for an initial 'Only Half Baked' offering with full bar facilities by late-June.

However, only bar snacks and cold foods will be available while the kitchen and restaurant area undergo renovations.

Rob Goves, a director of Relish, said: "We want this to be a good country pub with a food offering to match expectation.

"It would be wrong to delay the opening of the bar whilst the kitchen and restaurant area is refurbished and the food offering created, tested and established.

"We have undertaken this process in many venues and would ask the residents in Broad Campden and surrounding area to allow us a little latitude whilst we get the food side just right for this amazing village pub."

Current refurbishments include reordering the car park to feature Cotswold stone walls and additional spaces.

Temporary sheds have been removed and the outside dining area has been relocated to right outside the pub.

Efforts are being made to restore the original Flowers Brewery signage and to refurbish the solid oak door frontage.