Welcome to Chris Cook and his partner Hannah who are now the owners of the Thornton Arms and have been running the pub since 17th December.

Chris is originally from Scotland and has not previously worked in the pub trade, whereas Hannah has plenty of experience as she is currently working as an assistant manager in the Wetherspoon in Stevenage Old Town.

The couple are spending considerable time and effort refurnishing and refurbishing and the new seating in the bar area has been rearranged to give the impression of more space even though Chris assured me that no more seats have been provided.

The Pool table is as popular as ever and the villagers are giving the pub considerable support...so much so, in fact, that when they tried to close the pub for a few days in January, the regulars virtually forced an entry!

The dining area currently has a large TV in it for sporting events and is also a natural overflow from the bar when it is busy, but may eventually be used for serving food again as the kitchen is also currently being overhauled.

There are three hand-pulls for Real Ale at present one with Sharp's Atlantic, one with London Pride - which are the locals' choices at present - and the third will have a regularly changing 'guest'.

I'm sure that you will join me in welcoming Chris and Hannah wishing them the very best of luck for the future.