MyNewPub

Black Horse

Littleport, near Ely, Cambridgeshire

Agent: Davey & Co

Wendy Lynton worked with children with learning disabilities before picking up the reins at the Black Horse near Ely.

"We were both getting a bit fed-up and disillusioned by our jobs," Wendy said. "It's going great, we're loving it. It's a

destination pub on the river at the very edge of the village with a few very loyal locals.

"The customers are absolutely thrilled - they keep saying how clean and lovely it is and give us lots of helpful

suggestions."

Turnover is on the up after just four weeks and Wendy's Austrian husband, Harry Rauch, is set to join her full-time when they sell their house in March. The Black Horse is a free-of-tie Wellington Pub Company leasehold with a current turnover of £175,000, derived from 100% wet sales.

The couple have already completely re-decorated the public bar and the pub's restaurant area is due to be completed before Easter. The couple employ four part-time bar staff

and a cleaner who have all been helping out in getting the pub up to scratch.

The kitchen had been closed for two years but has now been professionally cleaned and is soon to be operational. Wendy and Harry both plan to muck in with the cooking, which will include some of Harry's Austrian specialities like wiener schnitzel and goulash, alongside simple pub grub.

The couple are also looking to introduce real ales and to capitalise on the pub's function room with live music and special events. Long-term plans include a children's play area and a patio area for their smoking customers.