THE new managers of The Double Gloucester in Longlevens are hoping for a clean break with the past after the departure of the pub's old landlord.
The Cheltenham Road hostelry had grown a reputation as a popular live music venue but landlord Christian Farmer left in early 2015 citing rising rents, beer prices and a downturn in the trade.
But now The Little Cotswold Pub Company, which also manages The Royal William in Cranham and Duke Wellington in Bourton-on-the-Water, have taken over The Double Gloucester and are hoping to offer something to the whole community.
They have redecorated both the pub's sports bar area, lounge and dining room with a fresh lick of paint and new furniture.
Tina Foster, a director of The Little Cotswold Pub Company, manager Dean Cooper and their team hope The Double Gloucester's bright new welcome will bring a more sociable and relaxed atmosphere to the former hotel.
Tina said: "We want The Double Gloucester to be everything a pub can be.
"There's an area for people who want a drink and watch Sky Sports, there's a lounge for people who want a coffee and there's a dining area for families.
"We can accommodate everyone in here. We want to build up the food trade and provide a more sociable, relaxed atmosphere."
Part of Tina's upbringing was in nearby Oxstalls and 10 years ago she managed another Longlevens pub – The King Teddy – with her husband Chris.
Despite being open for little over a week, Tina said the community have taken well to The Double Gloucester's change of scenery.
She said: "People have been positive since we opened and they're glad to have their pub back.
"This place has always been part of the community. If it ever disappeared, a lot of history and heritage for the locals would be lost.
"We want to keep it going. There are so many pubs closing down now, which is a real loss for community spirit."
Live music will still be held in The Double Gloucester but not as regularly as under the old management.
A regular pub quiz is being planned at The Double Gloucester and events will be held for race week and Mothering Sunday.
Tina and Chris set up The Little Cotswold Pub Company five years ago along with fellow directors Denise Jeffreys-Jones and Tony Barnfield.
They took on the Enterprise Inns pub to expand their business.
Tina said The Double Gloucester represents a new type of challenge.
She said: "The Duke of Wellington is more of a tourist pub but we have our regulars. The Royal William is more of a destination pub and is food-led.
"But The Double Gloucester is a community pub which is inhabited by locals. We came here for its location and the size of it. It's got lots of potential."
