THERE’S no sign of the man whose name it bears, but a team of merry men and women are ready to begin a new chapter at the Robin Hood Inn.

The popular 18th century pub, on the Military Road at East Wallhouses, has been closed since February to undergo major refurbishment.

It has now re-opened under the guidance of Andy Bell, who has been appointed as general manager alongside his partner, Amy Morgan, as bar and front of house manager.

The pair met while working together at the Northumberland Hussar bar in Heaton, Newcastle, and jumped at the opportunity to take on a new project as a couple.

“To come here and run this place is a dream, really,” said 30-year-old Andy. “It’s a lovely setting and the local people have made us feel very welcome.”

Although the refurbishment has been extensive, the Robin Hood has retained its traditional feel.

Antique tables, furniture and wood panels have been used to complement comfortable seating booths and other features which give the pub a fresh look.

The Robin Hood currently serves meals seven days a week, but while Andy is an experienced chef, he is limiting the time he spends in the kitchen.

Tom Robertshaw (27) has been appointed as head chef, and is working with a small team of kitchen porters to serve up a menu of “modern British food with a bit of a twist.”

Andy explained: “Everything we do is fresh. The bread is baked in-house, we make our own chutney, and we’ve come up with a menu which we hope will cater for all tastes.”

Food and drink are just part of a wider project at the pub, owned by Magnus and Susan Wilson, which last year received planning permission for holiday lets on land at the rear of the property.

Andy and Amy are also intent on offering accommodation in the pub itself, once refurbishment of the upstairs of the building has been completed.