THE Wolborough Inn is under new management...

Karen Barlow is the new manager of the historic and ever popular Newton Abbot drinking house.

With a wealth of experience working behind the bar, Karen has taken to her new role with gusto, having given the Grade 2 listed public house, which is believed to date to the Georgian period, a makeover.

She has re-introduced real ales, with plans to expand the pub’s offerings further with breakfasts on Saturdays and classic English staple, the roast dinner, on Sundays from August 5, given the inside a fresh coat of paint and much more besides.

Not to forget the past, however, for some of Karen’s customers have loaned her some photographes of Newton Abbot from decades past - the pictures adorne the walls.

‘I love it - I feel at home’ Karen said.

‘I have had a license for many years just sat in a draw - I was a carer, I worked with people who had suffered brain injuries, one of my clients was in decline, and so I thought it was now or never’ she added.

Karen, who is captain of the Wolborough Inn darts team, has worked in the pub trade since the age of 18, having served as many as 600 squaddies at a NAAFI.

‘I was quick for the turn over, but this is completely different, but it’s a great experience’ Karen said.

Elsewhere, the book club, which lapsed two or so years ago, has relaunched - it’s all happening at the Wolborough!

Oh, and San Miguel is back on pump...