BOB and Carol Musker from Westbury’s Horse and Groom pub, restaurant and B&B say they are glad to be reopen and welcoming people back since the easing of Covid restrictions.
The couple have operated the establishment since 2013 when they reopened and fully refurbished it after it had been closed for three years. The site has housed a pub since 1860.
“We had an aim of creating a traditional pub with standards which would have been normal in times gone by, where staff welcomed visitors, served them professionally and thanked them,” Bob said.
The last 15 months have proved challenging, after pandemic restrictions brought on enforced closure, costing the Horse and Groom precious revenue.
But Bob and Carol used the time productively.
Bob said, “Come 2020 and we found ourselves forcibly closed due to Covid-19. We used the time to refurbish and create The Potting Shed, a private facility in the garden with its own fire pit for small gatherings.
“Luckily we’ve had no staff losses and it was always our intention to reopen.”
Bob has been in the hotel / pub industry all his life. He says, “The good thing about trading in Westbury is that we’re glad to be part of a small community and provide a safe and welcoming place for people to meet and for family events.
“It’s good to be back and to be open – having customers in the pub, seeing people together again is what pubs are about.
“We don’t have Sky TV here or show sports on a screen – we’re proud to serve and be a service-led pub. Our aim is simply to provide traditional service to our customers in a comfortable, safe environment and to have lots of fun!”
In 2015 they bought a house across the road and opened the B&B, providing five beautiful ensuite bedrooms, away from the bustle of the pub.
A year later they created the Old Brewery urban function venue and in the first year hosted four weddings and quite a few other private parties, barbecues and gatherings.
In 2019 they opened the Horse and Groom Abode, a three-bedroom house offered as a self-catering holiday let – a delightful town house created from an old textile mill just a two-minute walk away.
Bob said, “Throughout, we have helped collect thousands of pounds for local charities including naming two guide dogs and we have built a strong community pub employing over 20 local people.”
For more information go to www.horseandgroom westbury.co.uk
