Derbyshire pub reopens as family friendly with outside playground and new menu

Parks Inn on Burlow Road is now being run by Lizzie Howarth and Elliot Copstick.

The duo went for The Duke in Burbage last year but did not get it; however, they were approached by the brewery to take over The Parks Inn in Hapur Hill.

Lizzie, 35 said: “It was Elliot’s idea that we should have a go at running a pub and I’m so glad we’ve made the leap.”

Lizzie gave up her 15-year long career in the NHS for the new venture and the pair picked up the keys on June 1 and had just two weeks to turn the failing pub around.

She said: “It had lost its way, lost its regulars and lost its heart but we’ve poured a lot of love into it and it’s great to see it doing so well.”

The couple have invested almost £15,000 in refurbishments as well as improving the outside area and creating a children’s playground.

Lizzie said: “I’m a mum of two and I know how tricky it can be to go out with little kids so my vision was to create a family-friendly pub where everyone is welcome.”

The outdoor play area has been a great hit and the pub also provides a free weekly meeting point for new mums and babies.

“If you live in Harpur and you don’t drive there isn’t much you can do with a newborn but making a place where mums feel welcome and it’s free as well was so important to me.” The pub opened in mid June and from mid August after finding a great chef the venue now does food as well.

“It’s going so well,” said Lizzie.

“We recently had a Robbie Williams tribute night and for the solar eclipse we put on a barbecue and I can’t believe how popular it was.

“Fifteen years working in the NHS and I’ve never worked as hard as I have done running a pub but I love it and it gives me the flexibility to spend more time with my children.”