A LANDLORD who has already shown that it is still possible to run a successful pub, is expanding his business.

Bal Gill, who took over the Brakspear-owned Abingdon Arms in Beckley in 2009, has now also taken on The Star at Stanton St John.

He said: “I have always loved The Star. It is a traditional, family friendly pub with dining. And when the Wadworth brewery offered it to me I jumped at the opportunity.”

He added: “We shall serve traditional, good value pub food. But the new chef at the Star, Deepah Roy, is also introducing authentic curries.

“It is not an Indian restaurant but a pub that serves curries along with cask beer.”

At the Abingdon Arms he and his wife Kuldoop have grown the business steadily since taking over and now employ 12 staff. Seven work at The Star including waitress Alex Pienaar.

Mr Gill added: “You need to offer what people want and always listen to customers. You needed to be prepared to change things without spoiling what you have and ask yourself: ‘What could I improve?’”