A CHARD pub bouncer is moving from in front of the door to behind the bar as she becomes the new publican of a High Street pub.

Debra Barratt has taken over The Choughs, which has re-opened following a major £155,000 refurbishment by national pub company, Punch.

Having previously worked as a bouncer at The Choughs for six years, it is a pub Debra knows well and the mother fo four and grandmother of 12 is looking forward to making her new venture a family affair.

She said: “My four children, Victoria, Kelly, Hayley and Callum, live in Chard and have all worked in The Choughs at some point.

“Before I made the decision to take the pub on, I discussed it at length with the family. We agreed this will be the perfect opportunity for us to put our experience to good use by working and spending more time together.

“I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Debra plans to offer a range of attractions at the new-look Choughs including opening the doors to local mothers and their children during the mornings.

She said: “There aren’t very many places for mums with young children to go in Chard so I want them to be able to come here and enjoy a cup of coffee and our large pub garden.

“The function room was like a disco bit, so I have changed the function room into a kids area during the day, and then it is a dance floor area in the evening.

“There was a beer garden but no one ever used it, so that has also been made into a more kids friendly area.”

The pub closed its doors at the end of May, with the Barratt’s moving in on July 1 and reopening last Thursday, with mums able to try out the new facilities during the day and sports clubs invited in for the evening.

The pub’s sports facilities include the skittles alley and three darts boards while all of the big screen sporting action form Sky and BT will also be on offer.

A carvery will serve meals and Sunday lunches, the car park has also been completely resurfaced with Tarmac, live music will take place on Thursday evenings and there will be a resident DJ every Friday and Saturday.

Debra is also looking to take advantage of the newly refurbished pub and the warm weather to host some barbecues this summer.

Helena Desave, Punch development manager, said: “Few people know The Choughs as well as Debra and her family and we are delighted to be supporting her in this exciting new venture.

“This investment will significantly improve the facilities without detracting from any of its unique charm – I am sure customers will be delighted.”