AFTER running The Old Ham Tree in Holt for three years and with the arrival of baby Michael in February, Dave and Debbie Mead-Male feel the time is right for a menu makeover.

Revamped summer menus are in place and with mouth-watering dishes such as beef and broccoli in black bean sauce, seared salmon or mixed seafood croquettes, along with old time favourites such as lamb shank, diners will be spoilt for choice. For those who feel they can make room for some desert, the pudding selection is described as "naughty but nice".

Landlord Mr Mead-Male, 45. has previously cooked for the Royal family during his 25 years in the Royal Logistics Corp, where he rose to the rank of staff sergeant major.

For 18-months he was a master chef for the Royal Guard Rooms which included St James's Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

He has provided informal lunches for royalty as well as formal banquets for the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Anne.

Mr Mead-Male said: "It was mostly informal lunches without all the pomp and ceremony. We sometimes bought in food from Harrods and Fortnum and Mason and designed top of the line food that was available at the time.

"It was about this time I got into the competition world and I won several gold awards."

Talking about his ethos for the Old Ham Tree, he said: "I am trying to keep this a pub that sells food. We don't want to be a gastro pub that sells beer.

"This is very much a friendly village pub, so obviously we like to cater for the local tastes in both food and events, but we are always pleased to welcome new customers. Our regulars have been very understanding and supportive during what was, for us, a bit of an uphill struggle, juggling our hours and a new baby, but order is now restored."

The couple, who have three other children Ben, 11, Daniel, 12 and Kirstie, 13, took over the pub in December 2003. The Old Ham Tree is about 300 years old and was originally called the New Inn from the time when the house was built in the late eighteenth century.

From then until the mid nineteenth century it belonged to the Hunt family who also operated it as a brewery and a malthouse. Mr Mead-Male said the pub was supposedly haunted, with regulars seeing a mysterious grey lady.

They have been contacted by a paranormal society, which wants to investigate further, but are considering whether to take up the offer.

Mr Mead-Male said: "We do feel we have a spirit but it is a friendly one. If someone came along and said we definitely have one it might frighten us off."

As well as the launch of a summer menu the couple are planning to hold barbecues in the pub garden throughout the summer, as well as a series of themed evenings to keep diners entertained.

FACT FILE

  • Lunch served between 12pm-2pm and dinner between 6.30pm-9pm
  • All main courses are priced from £8.50 while desserts start from £3.50. A specials board is available daily while a carvery is held on Sunday lunchtimes and Wednesday evenings
  • B&B accommodation available
  • Caters for functions
  • Free parking
  • Children and dogs welcome
  • American Express and Diners card not accepted
  • To book call (01225) 782581