Big country pub near Derby set to reopen this month after nine months closed

A large country pub in a village near Derby has been taken over by a husband and wife duo looking to build a "community" in the heart of the Derbyshire countryside. The Fox and Hounds closed its doors back in February following a major refurbishment from the previous owners in October last year.

Kevin, 60, and Hannah Hiles, 51, have taken the helm of the large Coxbench watering hole with hopes of providing locals and travellers with a warming space to "relax and meet new people." Chaddesdden-born Hannah met Kevin, who has strong ties to agriculture and farming, while spending 11 years working in Colchester.

Together, the pair look to make the most of their time in rural Derbyshire and, along with their two daughters, look forward to meeting the punters on opening day. Speaking on achieving a long-term goal of opening a pub of their own, Hannah said: "We want to say a big hello to everyone in the beautiful village of Coxbench as well as those in nearby Little Eaton, Denby, Belper - and just Derbyshire as a whole really.

"We are very lucky to be able to call The Fox and Hounds our new home and we cannot wait to welcome you all to the pub once we are open. We are not open yet, but we are very busy behind the scenes getting this amazing traditional pub ship shape and Bristol fashion, as the old mariners would say.

"When you come to us, we want you to enjoy being here and hope it will be a place for friendly people to come and gather. We're looking for ways to make this pub the best it can be, so if anyone has ideas for anything they would like us to organise or do, please come and see us or drop us a message."

Hannah says she is exploring the idea of welcoming groups, particularly mental health groups, which is very important to her. She says local pubs used to be the "humming hub" for communities, and that's exactly what the pair are setting out to achieve.

"No one should feel alone," Hannah said. "Not all of the ideas people suggest will stick, but with the help of our new customers and the pub's community, we hope we can give you some of what you want out of your local. We cannot wait to meet you all ,you are the people that make the pub a lovely place to be and we are very grateful."

Suggestions on Facebook from excited locals include classic pub games such as darts and pool, as well as requests for live music events and a good weekly quiz. The pair also love art and Hannah says local artists who would like to showcase their work can get in touch to have it hung in the pub once it is open.

They initially had plans to open the pub next Saturday (November 9), however are currently battling against time to get the place ready to serve - so this is likely to change. Anyone who has suggestions for Hannah and Kevin can pay them a visit on Facebook by clicking the link here.