My New Pub

Wellington Heifer

Ainderby Steeple,

North Yorkshire

Agent: Guy Simmonds

Scotsman Kenny Harkness comes to the Wellington Heifer after a celebrated career in the Scots Guards.

He is among the best bugle players in the armed forces and was a senior member of the Queen's Guard, the soldiers that stand motionless outside Buckingham Palace.

He also worked as a mess manager, overseeing functions for hundreds of troops and guests.

He plans a menu of simple home-made food at the Wellington Heifer including lasagna, steak and chips, all-day breakfasts, prawn cocktails and pork cutlets.

He said: "People want good wholesome cooking and that's what I'm trying to offer — they don't want fancy food up here."

Services will be run by a qualified chef, but Harkness will help prep-up at the beginning of the day.

Harkness plans to refurbish the three letting bedrooms and is in the process of turning one of them into a room dedicated to children with bean bags and computer games.

He said: "I know a lot of divorced men in the army and they need somewhere to bring their kids where they'll be looked after and have something to do. Nobody else is offering

this so hopefully it will go down well."

Harkness said that the pub had previously lost a lot of custom. But the locals were now coming back and feedback has been very positive.

"I'm getting people back who have not been here for two years." he said.