New restaurant is the latest venture for thriving Wickhambrook pub

The family who run a village pub that was on the brink of closure when they took it over have taken a new step in its continued growth by opening a restaurant.

The Greyhound is the only pub in Wickhambrook and has been run by Jack Couzens, his partner Damien Pearce and Jack’s parents Paul and Karen Couzens since they moved there from Kent in August 2011.

They launched their newly built 42-seat restaurant, Twenty One, last Friday, a week after a preview night for regulars.

Karen said: “It was in danger of closing when we took it over. It would have been a village without a pub.”

Since then the family has been instrumental in reviving the Wickhambrook’s carnival and OAP Christmas party. They also run pub pool, darts and dominoes teams, have a fireworks display and sponsor the village adult and youth football teams.

Initially the restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Saturday, plus Sunday lunchtime.

Jack said: “We are doing traditional Sunday lunches and British food with a modern twist.

“It’s all made on the premises and we have got steak on lava rock that we can cook at the table.”

All Twenty One’s suppliers and staff are local, including Nethergate Wines and Chilford Hall Wines.

Bar food is also available from Wednesdays onwards. The pub is closed Monday and Tuesday lunchtimes.