A MOTHER and son in law duo have taken over management of a beloved Oswestry pub and had a grand re-opening welcoming old and new customers.

Nick Roberts, and his mother in law, Lorraine Powell, took over The Tankard, in English Walls, a few weeks ago, and on Friday, March 24, they re-opened it.

Nick said that the idea came from Lorraine last year and they both thought it was a good opportunity.

He continued: “I worked in construction all my life, and I suffered three strokes last year, and I haven’t been well.

“Then unfortunately the company I worked for, for 18 years, decided that my role was no longer required within the business.

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“This opportunity then came about, and Lorraine asked me if I would go into partnership with her and after deliberations we decided that it would be a good idea.”

Lorraine also manages The Old Vaults, in Church Street, Oswestry, and Nick explained that she wanted to open a more ‘traditional’ pub.

He said: “She could not commit 100 per cent of her time to another business and that is why she brought me in.

“We hope to bring meals, brunches and Sunday roasts back eventually, so that it gives the feel of a proper English pub.”

The duo is hoping to bring in more local bands, with the opening weekend starting with Radio Rumours, and next weekend already booked.

Nick added: “Our opening weekend was great, we had loads of customers and support from all over.

“Now we are going to meet with a chef and get down a menu that we can put forward.

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“Nothing too fancy or big, just a small selection of traditional English pub grub that we do well.”

The Tankard is now open Thursday, Friday and Saturday,  from 4pm, and it will soon open from 12pm after the menu is ready.

“We will expand our opening times and days if the demand is there” Nick added “We will take our time and work this methodically and see where it goes really.”