The Prestleigh Inn has new managers.

Chloe Lovell and Dan Gray took over running the pub around two weeks ago, and are already busy putting their mark on the place. Both of them have a background of working in pubs, and have a clear vision of how they want to transform their new venture. "We want to give it a cosy, welcoming feel – a home from home," says Chloe. "It hasn't taken a massive amount to make it feel different already. Adding homely touches like putting up curtains, putting in the right lights and making sure the fire is lit has really changed the atmosphere already." They pair aren't stopping there though. The restaurant has already been given a fresh new look, and now they are turning their attentions to the outside space and the five B&B rooms upstairs. "Our biggest project is to add some roadside appeal, and to get the garden ready for the good weather," says Dan. "It's a brilliant garden with great views, and we want to do events out there in the summer."

The garden backs on to a field which is a public right of way too, making it the perfect spot for a country walk before a pie or a meal. And the pub is dog-friendly too (although no dogs are allowed in the restaurant) – and resident canine Bella is keen to give visitors a friendly welcome.

In recent years the Prestleigh Inn has been a drinking only venue, but since both Dan and Chloe are trained chefs they will be using their expertise to entice visitors in with their home-cooked classic pub grub. (Although during service it will be Dan in the kitchen while Chloe will be front of house to give visitors a friendly welcome.) The pair have put together a tasty menu of dishes such as lasagne, chilli, hunter's chicken, steaks, burgers and grills, and on Sunday they will be serving up traditional Sunday roasts.

"We are running special offers on our menu all month," says Chloe. "All the details will be on our Facebook page. We hope people will come along and give us a try." The pair are supporting other Somerset businesses too, using Griffiths butchers in Ashcott for the meat and stocking local ales and ciders from Glastonbury Beer Co, Fine Tunes Brewery in Somerton and Rich's cider in Highbridge.

As part of the drinks offering there is also a small bottle shop, so that those staying from out of town can take the taste of Somerset home with them (or locals can enjoy a tasty tipple at home!).

Although Chloe and Dan have lots of ideas and long to-do list of tasks to get the Prestleigh Inn just as they would want it, there's one aim that's definitely top of the pile. "We want the local people to come in and get to know us and like us!" says Chloe.