A POPULAR community pub will be reopening under new ownership.

The Bird in Bush, in Elsdon, announced it was closing its doors in September.

However, the pub, which dates back to the 18th century, is currently in the process of being sold to Jackie Sewell.

Ms Sewell, who used to run Tomlinsons Cafe & Bunkhouse in Rothbury, has applied for a premises licence and is awaiting a decision.

The Bird in Bush, which has been decorated, will also operate a coffee shop within its premises, and offer a breakfast menu.

The pub will host a pre-opening event on Saturday (April 9) for people in the village, before opening on Tuesday (April 12) as a coffee shop and restaurant.

Ms Sewell is hoping to receive the premises licence and have the pub up and running fully by May Bank Holiday.

Ms Sewell, who lives in Morpeth, said the response she has received since announcing she will be taking over the pub has been "100% supportive".

"People have been absolutely amazing," she said. "Everybody is desperate to get their village pub back open.

"It's been sad for the pub and sad for the village with the pub being closed and lockdown.

"I think everybody is really excited about it."

Ms Sewell said she is hoping to host community events at the pub.

"What I would really like is for the village to tell me what they want," she said. "I'm hoping for some suggestions. I'm the custodian of it, but it's their pub."

Ms Sewell said she expects the pub will attract some of her former customers at Rothbury, including cyclists, and the Bird in Bush's first cycling event will take place on April 23.

The Bird in Bush also has four guest bedrooms, which will be refurbished. The first guests are booked to stay there this week.