The new man in charge of The Bell by the Green is keeping his fingers crossed for warm weather this Easter to make the most of a revamp of the pub’s garden.

Monty Hadrill became manager of the Devizes pub after the departure of licencee Eddie Schofield, who struggled to make ends meet during his 18 months as landlord.

The pub’s garden is undergoing a revamp with new flower beds, grass and bench seating.

Mr Hadrill, 43, said: “We are keeping our fingers crossed the weather will be nice at Easter so we can make the most of it.

“The whole pub has been cleaned up and we are starting to attract more people back in. We now have all the Sky football matches.

“We also now serve food from 8am to 8pm with breakfast from 8am to 11.30am and our full menu after that.”

The pub is also trying to make the most of its large function room at the back.

Mr Hadrill said: “We are booked for parties at weekends for the next seven weeks, which is good. We do not charge for the hire or the room, just for the bar staff, and if people want to bring their own food that is fine.”

Mr Schofield took over from long-time licencee Paul McDonald, who left in February blaming brewery Wadworth for a high rent and lack of support.

Wadworth has now appointed Birmingham company Sheldon Inns as temporary licencee and it employs Mr Hadrill to run the pub.

Wadworth marketing director Paul Sullivan said: “We are pleased with the turnaround at the Bell by the Green and are hopeful this can be a long-term arrangement.”

The brewery is still trying to find the right tenant for The Moonrakers in Nursteed Road before going ahead with a complete revamp of the pub.

The pub is still open with temporary management in charge.