AN HISTORIC pub celebrates its first anniversary under new bosses later this month after being forced to shut last year.

The King’s Head, in Gosfield, closed in March 2018.

It left Gosfield without a village pub, but after a six-week revamp the traditional Tudor watering hole was re-opened by publicans and married couple Matthew Arnold and Emma Massey last August.

Matthew, who has worked in hospitality since the age of 16 and is also a trained chef, said: “I have a close link with the village, so when the King’s Head came on the market, and having missed the community, my wife Emma and I decided that this was the pub for us.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to turn around what was a closed-down pub left in a bad state.

“But it feels great to run a successful pub in the beautiful village of Gosfield, supported by our amazing locals and well-trained and happy staff.”

The popular public house has been a part of the community since it first started serving ale during the reign of King Henry VIII and Matthew and Emma have maintained its heritage charm, with large open fireplaces and solid oak beams holding up the sturdy inn’s age-old structure.

The pub has changed hands several times in recent years.

Matthew and Emma have introduced some changes in a bid to boost business.

Matthew said: “Having pride in what you do, good quality and amazing staff are what make the main difference and we are continuing to develop the business in all ways.

“We have recently introduced our Sunday morning all-you-can eat English breakfast, have added a small retail area to the pub and also created a child-friendly enclosed outdoor area.

“Emma and I are glad to be part of the village and provide a well-supported pub and restaurant.”

Matthew and Emma are celebrating their first year at the King’s Head this Sunday with a barbecue and live music.