Paul Maguire, 38, known to his friends as Rocky, and his wife Sue, 46, are the new manager and manageress at The Bay Horse Inn, North Street.

The couple are the former landlords of the Tiger Inn, in Easington, near Whitby, where they were based for more than four years.

They admit that their decision to move to Driffield was partly influenced by the credit crunch.

Sue said: "A lot of places are struggling at the moment and we got this opportunity so we took it.

"We are really enjoying it so far, it's building up gradually and some locals are saying we are getting a lot of people back that we haven't seen for quite a few months," she added.

The couple have re-introduced bar meals at the pub which are now available throughout the week from 12noon to 2.30pm and from 6pm to 8.30pm. Traditional Sunday lunches will also be available each week from 12noon to 4pm.

"I will be doing all the cooking while Paul will be behind the bar and we have the function room now, of course, which is available for such things as weddings, christenings, and parties," Sue added.

The couple have a number of plans for the pub such as introducing themed food nights and live music starting tomorrow when the band Too Orangey for Crows take to the stage from 9pm.

The couple have four daughters, Lucie, Chloe, Sammy and the eldest Zanne, who will be helping her parents out by working behind the bar and waitressing.

Sue said: "I like Driffield. We came from a smaller village which only had a garage and a post office so it is nice to have a lot more here.
"There is lots to do here and we don't have to drive to go to the shops and the schools are on our doorstep."

sara.beach@yrnltd.co.uk