A PUB on The Whitfield Estate reopened on Monday, March 21.

The Elks Head closed in February and was soon taken over by the new lease owners, Jennifer Gleeson and Robert Harrison, who have extensive experience in the industry.

Although they have not refurbished the pub yet, they have put a longterm plan together for the next few years.

They are planning to refurbish five bedrooms in the early summer months from April to June, and are hoping to refurbish the bar next year, but are currently focusing on establishing their suppliers and getting the business on its feet.

Jennifer said: "We want to focus on the food and the service. Rob has a Michelin background and has obtained AA rosettes, so we want to start off getting a team of chefs who are passionate about using fresh local produce." 

Their garden with seating overlooks the river for a pint with a view.

"We've got a lovely restaurant overlooking the river and we want to turn it into a fine dining restaurant. First, we want to get new appliances and find a team of passionate chefs."

Jennifer, from Yorkshire, and Robert, from Hull, have more than 50 years of experience having run five star hotels in various places such as Devon.

They were looking for a new lease and tenancy agreement, and wanted to move to the Northumberland area.

Jennifer and Robert were told The Elks Head was available for lease by a friend. They then met the owners of The Whitfield Estate, the Blackett-Ord family, who have maintained the Estate and its thousands of acres for generations.

The Estate is considered one of the finest shooting grounds in the country, along with being located in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Jennifer said the response has been very welcoming so far from the locals in the area. 

"It's gone really well, the locals have been amazing and made us feel really welcome, and they've been so friendly and supportive."

The pub is advertising for staff to join the team. "We're looking for chefs, kitchen porters, a front of house manager, and front of house staff," Jennifer said.