A FORMER Holywell Lake pub has been given a new lease of life as the passion project of its new owners who have transformed the venue into an antiques stop.

The Holywell Inn Antiques and Licensed Tearooms was opened by owners John and Nicky Pope recently (Thursday, April 10), after the couple purchased the property in November of last year.

Originally from Wiveliscombe, the two have chosen to return “home” having spent nearly a decade together in Hampshire.

Nicky said: “I loved where we lived, but it wasn’t home. I wanted to come home again.”

The couple grew up together, but it wasn’t until more than 34 years later that the two would reunite, to begin a life together in the south of England.

It was there that Nicky and John established a passion for antiques, which they now hope to share with locals in their home county.

With a background in catering on Nicky’s part, and a knowledge of silver service from John’s time in the Army, the two have decided to combine their love for the pre-loved with tea and cake.

John said: “We just thought, we want it all under one roof, in a place where we can meet and interact with people.

Nicky added: “Down this way, people are so much more friendly. If you go into a shop or walk down the street, people say hello.”

The couple insist on serving almost exclusively local produce and offer a range of fresh bakes and Somerset brews (both alcoholic and non), which can be enjoyed while sat amongst their eclectic collection of antique furniture and nick knacks.

The shop and tearooms is now open from Thursday to Saturday, and on the first Sunday of the month, between 9.30am-4.30pm