IT'S the buzz of conversation instead of noisy jukeboxes and games machines that makes The Beehive in Bradford on Avon the ideal traditional pub.

Mark House, 37, took over in December with his wife Belinda, 27, and things have been going well so far. "There's a very relaxed atmosphere because there's no sounds of games or music but just chatter," said Mr House.

"We came in for Christmas and since then it's gone from strength to strength. We've really built on the trade, especially on the beer. We concentrate on real ales and have five different ones on sale in the pub." The couple moved to Bradford from Tunbridge Wells and although a dairy farmer by trade Mr House has 10 years of experience managing pubs.

He had been farming in New Zealand when he returned to this country in order to renew his visa. While he was in the UK for a month he started working for a friend and found he enjoyed managing pubs so much he never returned to New Zealand.

He met his wife Belinda, who is from Australia, when she started working for him and the couple have been married for three-and-a-half-years. Mr House said running their own pub instead of just managing it was something they had looked forward to for a while.

"It's been a long term plan of ours. We've put all our pennies into this and we've got a 19-year lease on the place so we'll be here for a while," he said. "We've done a lot of work on the garden. We've got new seating and lighting. It'll be a lovely place to sit in the summer. We've also just brought in a quiz night on a Sunday and it's been going well."

Home cooked meals are offered for lunch and dinner, and Mr House said meals at the pub are a fairly informal affair, with customers often ending up sharing tables and getting to know each other. For Mr House the most important thing about the pub has been maintaining its friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

"The locals have been great and we've got great support from the community," he said.

"People have come back who haven't been to the pub for two years and we get a good trade from tourists visiting the canal. It's a very traditional pub."

FACT FILE

  • The Beehive In Trowbridge Road, Bradford on Avon, is next to the bridge over the Kennet and Avon Canal.
  • The pub opens Mon-Thurs 12 noon-3pm and 7-11pm and all day Fri-Sun.
  • There is parking and an outside seating area
  • For more information call (01225) 863620