A UTTOXETER pub has been transformed into a welcoming family business following a string of previous landlords leaving it deserted with customers left in the dark.
Paul Wood has said he is ‘in it for the long haul’ after taking over The Parks, in New Road, to supply the community with ‘great food and service at reasonable prices’.
Despite the pub’s chequered past, he is confident he can transform it to its former glory and move it forward after getting feedback from residents.
The 48-year-old, who has been in the pub trade for 33 years, said: “When I spoke to people about what they wanted they said they wanted somewhere nice to come.
“The pub is very much a challenge but we all thrive on a challenge and it has phenomenal grounds.
“It has a great estate at the back of it and it was planned well in the past but it was just not run successfully in the last couple of years.
“It will take time but you are only as good as your last meal.
“We are asking people to come along and try us, I know they have been bitten before but we have had rewarding comments all week saying the service and food were fantastic.” In the family venture, Mr Wood’s son Daniel is the pub’s chef with all the food homemade and locally-sourced products where possible.
Mr Wood has moved to the Uttoxeter pub from The Greyhound, in Yarlet, and has previously worked as the chef at Weston Hall for seven years as did his son.
The married-father-of-two also hires his staff from the local area and offers apprenticeships.
The landlord Trust Inns and Mr Wood have spent £100,000 on refurbishing and redecorating the pub in a joint venture.
As an introductory offer throughout June the pub will be offering a soup of the day, Scottish Salmon in tarragon and lime butter with potatoes and vegetables and fresh local strawberries and cream all for £4.99.
The Parks is open Tuesday to Friday from noon to 2pm for lunch and 6pm to 9pm for dinner, Saturday from noon to 2pm for lunch and 6pm to 9.30pm for dinner and Sunday from noon to 4pm.
More information is available by phoning 01889 562071, e-mailing theparksrestaurant@gmail.com or visiting the Facebook page The Parks - Uttoxeter.
