ALTHOUGH it is Mark Patton's first pub, the new landlord of the Beech Tree is no stranger to the licensing and catering trade.

The 39-year-old, who moved into the pub with his wife Carolyn and sons David and Jonathon, has been involved in both trades for 22 years.

He has been catering manager at Oulton Park race track for the past five to six years and was previously general manager at a hotel in Lincolnshire.

He said: "Primarily we want to be serving the best beer in Barnton and we want to back that up with good wholesome food."

Mark is very keen to promote the bowling green and wants non-bowlers to use it.

He said: "It's about people coming along and renting the green.

"From our point of view it's introducing it to non-bowlers.

"We don't want to fall into the same category as the Farmer's Arms did in Rudheath.

"We need income from the green."

Meanwhile Mark is delighted with the welcome he has received from the community.

He added: "I am thoroughly enjoying it. I have got to know a lot of people very quickly and I have had great feedback from customers.

"It is exciting, it's a lot of fun but a lot of hard work.

"We want to develop more community spirit in Barnton."