'We have big plans for pub that made us a family'

COUPLE WHO MET AT TOWN HOSTELRY ARE HEADING UP £240,000 REFURBISHMENT

- By TELEGRAPH REPORTER

A HUSBAND and wife who first met at a Derbyshire pub are now running it - with work on a £240,000 refurbishment to start next week.

Building work starts on August 26 to reopen The Duke in Buxton after a four-year closure.

The £240,000 joint investment is being made by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and new licensee Rebecca Higgins, together with husband Dan, will see the pub restored to its former glory as a family and dog-friendly local when it reopens in early October.

Rebecca, who went to university in the town, was previously manager of The Duke between 2013 and 2016.

She said: “The Duke holds a special place in our hearts for Dan and myself as we met at the pub when I was working there and so is the reason we're a family today.

“I took time out to bring up our children. “They are older now, and I have gained further management experience, so I feel it is the right time to realise my long-term dream to run my own pub, and not just any pub, our local.