Shipston pub The Horseshoe re-opens near the Cotswolds

The Horseshoe in Shipston has been reopened by two chefs with over 70 years of combined experience in the industry. 

The pub reopened on Friday (October 25) after a "full refurbishment" by the new owners, Graham Smith and Dave Lewis. 

(Image: Graham Smith)

Mr Smith said: "We opened the doors for the first time on Friday. 

"It's been a four to five month project now and its great to see the pub open again. 

"We have had great feedback so far, I think people really love the fact that we are back open and they are most impressed by how it looks and the pub's warmth. 

"They appreciate the effort we have gone to with the new garden, landscaping, flooring, counters, carpets and lighting. 

"You name it, we've done it."

(Image: Graham Smith)

The pair, who have previously worked together, joined forces earlier this year after Mr Lewis declined to renew his lease at a pub in Chipping Campden. 

Mr Lewis then called Mr Smith about the freehold at The Horseshoe to ask if he was interested and the rest is history. 

The only slight stumbling block has been staffing issues which has meant that the kitchen has not been open so far but Mr Smith promised the issue would soon be resolved and said they would be doing a soft launch of the kitchen this weekend (November 2 and November 3). 

(Image: Graham Smith)

Mr Smith continued: "Staff-wise it's just myself, my wife, Dave and a couple of friends but we are gathering pace. 

"We are both chefs and if we were in the kitchen we would have no front of house but we will be doing a sort of soft launch this weekend. 

"Not a full menu, specials, soups and a lunchtime menu for now. 

"We are not taking bookings at the moment because we would hate to let anyone down but over the next few weeks we will hopefully have the full package. 

(Image: Graham Smith)

"We are going to keep it traditional. 

"We just want to get it perfect. 

"The plan is to make it a really nice solid pub with great food and a great ambiance."