'Custodians' who revived rundown pub win award for 'outstanding local'

FORMER customers who took over a struggling pub have turned it around with their sterling work to make it a community local to be proud of.

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The Boat & Horses, in Beeston Rylands is run by two couples, Neil and Debbie Fowkes and Martin and Jackie Henson, who are first-time publicans.

Neil and Martin gave up their jobs to take over the flagging pub in March 2023. At that time trade had dwindled like many pubs in the current economy.

Since then they have invested £60,000 and worked tirelessly turning it into a hub for Beeston Rylands and a family and dog-friendly local that attracts people from the wider area, like Ilkeston, Lenton and Wollaton.

Having served in the armed forces themselves, Neil and Martin have teamed up with Beeston charity Forces in the Community to make the Boat & Horses a veteran-friendly venue where former military personnel can receive support.