MyNewPub

London Inn

South Molton, Devon

Agent: Christie+Co

Deborah See and Toby Bennet have just taken on the London Inn, at South Molton, Devon. The 15th-century coaching inn has beams and inglenook fireplaces and the couple plan to change very little.

Toby said: "All the other pubs round here are chains; our job is to keep a record of what a traditional country pub is like for future generations. We're losing far too much of our heritage at the moment and the pub needs to be preserved."

Deborah looks after the cooking and Toby is out front.

Toby said that his previous career as a local radio presenter helps him interact with his customers.

"I can talk and be quick with one-liners; a lot of people have seen the articles in the local press and any free publicity is good. We've been here for five weeks and it's going really well, considering it's a quiet time of year.

"Things should heat up in the summer because we're right on the tip of Exmoor."

Trade is split down the middle and the pub prides itself on its home-cooked traditional food. Dishes include rabbit pie and faggots. The pair's long-term plans for the pub are to capitalise on its excellent location and to try to keep it looking the same.

Deborah has a lot of experience in the licensed trade and the couple most recently ran the Poacher, just south of Cambridge.

Jon Clyne, of Christie+Co's Exeter office, said: "The sale of a private, free-of-tie lease on this character country freehouse in an idyllic setting attracted great interest."