New landlords go back to nature at Eggleston's Three Tuns

THE new landlords of a village pub have received a helping hand to settle in from one of their predecessors.
Kellie and Justin Cooper have taken over at the Three Tuns, in Eggleston – and say the chance to resurrect the pub’s vegetable gardens was one of the major reasons they returned to the trade after a two-year break.
And they have been getting a few tips from Denis Holmes who, together with his late wife Valerie, ran the Tuns for a decade from 2001.
Mrs Cooper said: “It was the veg gardens that clinched it. We had a look and then another walk round the place and that was the big pull.
“Denis lives in the village and it was through the gardener that we got to meet him. He is such a character and he knew every single plant and tree.
“What was really apparent was the planning he had put into it. It was lovely to meet him and talk to him. People still speak very highly of him.”
The chance to cook freshly grown produce was a big factor in chef Simon Kenney’s decision to leave the Duke of York, in Fir Tree, and join the Coopers at the Three Tuns.
Mrs Cooper added: “We will never be totally self sufficient, but we  plan to grow as much as we can so Simon has the chance to use fresh, seasonal veg.”
The couple had run a number of pubs before deciding to leave the trade in July 2014.
Mr Cooper, 42, grew up in and around Barnard Castle, attending Barnard Castle Prep  and Teesdale School before helping his parents run the Malt Shovel, at Wham.
A family connection to the Three Tuns’ owners Clare Moss-Clennell, her husband Shaun and Clare and Philip Dixon brought the Three Tuns to the Coopers’ attention.
“We had said ‘never say never’ but we didn’t have any intentions of coming back into the industry,” said Mr Cooper.
“We came and had a look because the lease offered the scope to do things we wanted.
“We did not rush into this. Between us, we have a fair few years and with the benefit of our experience we know how we want it to be done. What we saw was the potential of the place.”
The couple plan to reintroduce bed and breakfast, opening a first bedroom by Easter next year, as well as developing a new website.
Although food will play an important part in the business, the couple are keen to stress the Three Tuns will retain its atmosphere as a local village pub.
Mrs Cooper said: “We have to have a strong food offering, especially during the summer when we plan to open during the day, but it is not going to be a restaurant.
“We know we can get the balance right so our locals know they can come in for a drink.”