FOLLOWING years of uncertainty, different owners and a chequered history, the King William pub is set to re-open as early as the end of next month – but as a caf� renamed as Ocean House.

FOLLOWING years of uncertainty, different owners and a chequered history, the King William pub is set to re-open as early as the end of next month - but as a caf� renamed as Ocean House.

The freehold for the former pub was bought by husband and wife Nikki and Robin Townsend in August, who for years have run a similar caf� bistro in Bristol.

Hopefully, said Nikki, the business will be ready to open by the end of November or start of December.

She said: "But regardless of whether we have completed the work or not, we will open for late night Christmas shopping (on December 4)."

At the moment, the pub is undergoing refurbishment, with builders lowering the two large front windows:

"At present, people have to go on tip toes to see inside. People often enjoy watching the world go by as they eat and drink."

Initially, the caf� will only open during the day, serving breakfast, tea, coffee, cakes, late lunches and evening tea and is also likely to have wheelchair access to the rear.

"We will be using local produce," she added. "The reaction has been really, really encouraging and I think people will be pleased with what we have to offer, things like home-cooked quiches...

"It's had a chequered history and I think many are just pleased the building is being put to good use by people who intend to stay long term.

"Everyone has been really welcoming, friendly and supportive. Some have said they found the building quite a soulless place - well we intend to put our heart and souls into it.