Couple bringing one of city's oldest pubs back to life

THEY'VE SOLD HOME FOR REVAMP

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

A PLYMOUTH couple are breathing new life into one of Plymouth's oldest pubs. Kim and John Richards have sold their Plymouth home and bought The Herbert Hotel, in Devonport, and embarked on an extensive restoration project.

The couple, aged in their sixties, decided retirement would be boring and are giving the pub an inside-and-out revamp, all while it stays open to the public.

John, a builder, is masterminding the regeneration with extensive work including creation of a new beer garden. Kim, meanwhile, is in charge of the already-upgraded bar area and the couple are working on renovating upstairs rooms which were once bedsits into a flat for them to call home. Kim said they had their eye on the building for some time and last year made a bid to buy it.