Five Bells in Edenham, near Bourne, reopens under new family owners after restoration

A family is set to breathe new life into a village pub when it reopens next week.

Bill and Lucy Sacker bought the Five Bells in Edenham last summer and have spent around six months restoring the 19th Century pub back to its former glory.

The restoration work will be revealed at the pub’s grand opening on Wednesday (March 27), including an impressive original range fireplace, rediscovered in the bar area.

As well as several bar and dining areas, the Five Bells boasts a large restaurant, separate private dining space, and riverside pub garden.

“We are trying to get a bit of character back in the pub,” said Bill.

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“We wanted a fireplace in all points of the pub so that wherever you sit you’ll be able to see a fire.”

Bill and Lucy want the surroundings to be warm and welcoming so people take time to enjoy their dining experience.

“We have carefully recruited knowledgeable staff that will add to the Five Bells visit,” said Lucy.

The couple lived in northern Spain in the early 1990s which sparked a love for its food and culture.

A range of traditional tapas will be served alongside the British classic pub staples such as steak, and fish and chips, while a Spanish beer, Mahou, will share space with traditional real ales.

They even took their new chef to Spain to further explain their vision.

Head chef James has a wealth of experience both locally and abroad.

“We are really excited to welcome him on board alongside a new young, talented chef,” said Bill.

While this is their first pub, the trade has been a long-standing ambition in Lucy’s blood and has been a long-standing ambition.

“We have spent time looking at a few local pubs,” Bill added.

Lucy’s grandparents ran the Railway at Ketton, while her parents took on the Monckton Arms, in Glaston – now the Old Pheasant.

“I suppose we followed my parents,” Lucy said.

“My dad always wanted a pub but chose not to while we were all small, and we were the same.”

The couple’s three children Sam, Eleanor and Ben will all help out in some capacity in what is a real family affair.

Lucy’s brother is a real ale aficionado, will also help run the bar featuring guest ales.

Their local roots make the pub important to them – Bill grew up in Gunby, while Lucy is from Empingham, and they lived a short hop away in Castle Bytham for 15 years before moving into the pub.

“There is no reason we can’t bring this old place back to what it once was and we look forward to welcoming everyone soon,” said Bill.