An award-winning country pub has finally reopened its doors under new management.

The Half Moon in Melplash has been shut for nine months after the previous owners moved onto a new business venture at the West Bay Hotel.

Now, husband and wife duo Mark Cole, 50 and Julie Cole 55, are planning to give the venue a new lease of life.

The couple officially opened the pub on Tuesday night for a soft launch and are currently open for just drinks and crisps, with plans to serve food in a few weeks’ time when the kitchen refit is complete.

The Half MoonThe Half Moon (Image: Jennie Mulcahey)

Mark explained that they saw a good turnout and that it was a very good way to start their new adventure, adding, ‘we are feeling really welcomed and appreciate everyone for coming.’ Julie will be the smiley face working front of house, whilst Mark will spend most of his time behind the scenes in the kitchen as he is an experienced and classically trained chef.

It has always been a dream of Mark’s to run his own pub, having worked in the hospitality sector from the ages of 12-27, and then embarking on a career in the military and when he was home, he would be working at friend’s pubs.

The pair who have been married for eight years actually moved to the area from Buckinghamshire after being offered the pub by Palmers who own the venue, although Mark has previously worked in Weymouth at the Sea Cow Bistro which used to be on Custom House Quay.

He said: “I love the area; we want to make this a community-based pub.”

They have been living in Dorset for a month, describing the experience as ‘a blur’ as so much is going on with contractors and works, but they are thrilled to finally be open.

When the kitchen opens, there will be an ‘affordable’ core menu as well as a daily specials board.

The pub will be open from 12pm-10pm on Tuesday-Sunday unless it is really quiet.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/TheHalfMoonMelplash.