Businessmen set sights on keeping the Exeter Arms in Easton-on-the-Hill open for years

A thriving town bar in Stamford now has a sister venue at Easton-on-the-Hill.

Businessmen Liam Kavanagh and Rob Savill opened the Copper Room last March and after the success of this upmarket venue on St Mary’s Hill, have now re-opened the Exeter Arms.

Rob has worked in hospitality for eight to nine years, with a previous role with the Craft Beer Company in London, which has led to both venues having a focus on craft ales, plus artisinal spirits and an extensive wine list.

Liam has worked in hospitality for 20 to 25 years, including a spell with the former owners of the Exeter Arms.

Rob says craft beers are an “up and coming thing” and the Exeter Arms will have a range similar to that of the Copper Room.

The pair from Stamford have taken on the lease from Sue Olver, who is sister to pub entrepreneur Michael Thurlby, who ran the Exeter Arms several years ago. Sue is also well-known in the local pub trade.

Rob said: “We want to make the pub nice and relaxed serving classic British food. Pub grub done well rather than fine dining. We want a local pub for Easton-on-the-Hill. We are most definately a country pub with food not a restaurant with a bar.”

The pub, which underwent a major renovation ten years ago, is also noted for a courtyard which seats 80 and is a famous sun trap.

Rob continued: “We are really excited about our possibilities for the first summer. Perhaps a beer festival, an outdoor gin bar, chilled out accoustic music evenings... we haven’t decided yet. Alfresco dining for definite, giant Jenga almost certainly. Just like the Copper Room, we’ll be 100 per cent dog-friendly.”

The Exeter Arms, which was closed for about six weeks before it reopened last Friday, also has six bedrooms, which will be available from the end of this month.

Liam said: “Hopefully, we’ll be here for years and years - after all that’s what we’ve just signed up for! But we know the pub will be standing here long after we’ve moved on. We’re custodians on behalf of the village, and for the next people who take it on.”