FOR pub licensee John Sharkey and his family, Christmas has come early, as it’s the first winter that Ovingham Bridge has been open since they took on The White Swan.

Despite some customers facing a long detour to reach the village during the two-year closure of the bridge, the family have still managed to increase trade threefold, and create 10 new jobs.

They were congratulated on turning the fortunes of the business around by Hexham’s MP, Guy Opperman, when he popped in recently to join them for a celebratory pint.

Two years ago, John took on the lease of the tired, run-down pub.

And a joint £150,000 investment with Heineken’s pub business, Star Pubs & Bars, brought The White Swan up-to-date.

Wooden beams and open fires were retained to keep the traditional character, while the kitchen was given an overhaul, to allow the pub to focus more on food.

It now regularly serves 200 Sunday lunches and is booked up weeks in advance.

For first-time landlord, John, taking on The White Swan while the bridge was closed, was a risk but he could see the pub’s potential and that it would be beneficial for the whole family to live and work in the community.

John, a former steward of Westerhope Golf Club in Newcastle, said: “The pub is a family affair.

“My father-in- law, Billy Gunn, who was a local government officer, helps with the books. Lyndsey, my wife, does everything from bar manager to waitress when not working at the bank. And our 17-year-old Amy helps two nights a week.

“Our five-year-old, Evie, even believes she’s got a job!

“We all absolutely love it.”

A reputation for good food, live bands and showing big TV sports events means the pub appeals to all corners of the community.

A year later than anticipated, Ovingham Bridge reopened in September. “It is great news for us and for our customers, who we’d like to thank for their support over the last couple of years,” said John.

Lawson Mountstevens, managing director of Star Pubs & Bars, said: “John and his family have done a great job putting the White Swan at the heart of the community. What’s more, they did it against the odds.”