A 14th CENTURY pub popular with ramblers and artists which closed suddenly in mysterious circumstances has reopened - much to the delight of villagers.

A 14th CENTURY pub popular with ramblers and artists which closed suddenly in mysterious circumstances has reopened - much to the delight of villagers.

The Peacock, at Chelsworth, is virtually the last facility in the tiny community of 150 residents.

Enterprise Inns, which owns the tavern, planned to send a regional manager to visit after reports it was standing empty during September.

Now a new landlord has reopened the inn's doors, with real ales again on sale and plans for a menu made up of home-cooked food.

Paul Ineson, who has taken over as a manager and has 23 years' experience in the trade working in pubs in areas including Lincolnshire and Oxfordshire, said villagers have been thrilled their local is open again.

Mr Ineson, who is married to Mandy, a nurse, said: “The inn has a roaring fire, is very old and is a traditional pub.

“Villagers are delighted to see The Peacock open again and we will be starting food soon, hopefully having music, and we are holding a carol service on December 23.

“Locals have been coming in with Christmas decorations and pictures for the wall for us - they have been great.

“The pub should never have closed, it's essential to have one for the local community. There is gossip why the place closed, but it is gossip and I am not going to comment on this.”

The timbered property features working inglenook fireplaces and a large beer garden complete with a barbecue area.

The Peacock Inn is located within the rolling Brett Valley conservation area of South Suffolk, 15 miles west of Ipswich on the B1115.

It has enjoyed a reputation for offering an extensive range of wines, guest ales and local beers as well as mouth watering menus using fresh local seasonal ingredients.

Now it has reopened Mr Ineson plans to keep the doors open every day for locals, ramblers and visitors to the community.