New Landlords for historic Mid Devon inn

The popular and historic Old Malt Scoop Inn at Lapford near Crediton has been acquired by husband and wife team Jonathan and Catriona Willatt.

Jonathan, 51, and Catriona, 48, are highly experienced in the hospitality sector having run their own wedding catering business from their base at Bickleigh near Tiverton while Jonathan has been providing IT project management services for over 20 years.

‘The Scoop’ is their first venture as publicans, restauranteurs and bed & breakfast providers but were attracted to the business because of its established success and because of the opportunities that being part of a community bring.

Catriona said: “We have been made very welcome by the regulars and see becoming community focused as part of the attraction.  The previous owners, Trevor and Linda Voaden, did a tremendous job in building the business from scratch and our challenge is to take it forward. The Scoop is exactly the sort of pub we were look for, it had just the right feeling when we first walked in.”

The couple’s commitment to Lapford is in no doubt with Catriona’s mother moving into a nearby house in the village and their two sons, Fraser (14) and Charlie (11), attending Queen Elizabeth School in Crediton.

Jonathan Willatt added: “Although it’s a difficult time for the hospitality sector in general, it has helped us in a way by easing us into the business and coping with the new learning curves we face.

“We are benefiting from the continuity of good local staff and an established menu that is very popular.  Our aim is to build on that and grow the food side of the business by introducing a new specials menu that will showcase the fantastic local produce available on our doorstep.  We want everyone in Lapford to be proud of their local hostelry and to enhance the drinking and eating experience for both regulars and visitors alike.

“Our first challenge, though, is our Christmas Day menu!”