By GEMMA SOMERVILLE gemma.somerville@hexham-courant.co.uk

Last updated 13:35, Thursday, 07 August 2008

WITH almost 400 years of existence as a country pub, it’s little wonder that the Queen’s Head Inn is bucking the current trend.

Business is booming: Owner John Gibson, left, front of house manager Claire Murray and head chef Steven Murray at the Queen’s Head Inn at Great Whittington.

Business is booming at the Great Whittington 17th century coaching inn despite the credit crunch, which has seen a downturn in business, prompting the closure of pubs across the country.

A little over half way through his first year at the helm, new owner John Gibson puts the success of the Queen’s Head down to “getting back to basics”.

After buying the pub in January from Ron and Gill Jackman, Mr Gibson, who also owns the Angel Inn at Corbridge, kept in place locally renowned head chef Steven Murray and his manager wife Claire, who have run the business for the past two years.

The couple, guided by Mr Gibson, have since made subtle changes that have made the world of difference. The pub has attracted new customers while retaining pub regulars.

Mr Gibson said: “I have wanted this pub for a long time. I’ve always liked it, so when the opportunity came along to buy it I was delighted.

“I think the reason we continue to do remarkably well is because we are not pretentious in any way. People can come in wearing their jeans and get a reasonably priced meal made from good quality produce, sourced locally where possible.”

Since January the pub has undergone a modest refurbishment, which has opened up the bar area while retaining its traditional features, including original oak beams, exposed stone walls and open fire places.

Paintings by local artists are now displayed on the walls to make the interior all the more inviting.

Manager Claire, who runs front of house, said: “Whether it’s a lunch time snack or an evening meal people are after, we always try to give people top quality service in a relaxed atmosphere – that’s what keeps people coming back.

“In recent months word seems to have spread about us and we are very busy most days now and we’re enjoying the challenge of coping with the demand.”

Mr Gibson plans to extend the current pub kitchen to provide more space for favourites such as lamb’s liver, Northumbrian paella and cod in beer batter. Work is ex-pected to begin later this year.