Armed with a life-times' experience in the hospitality trade Debbie and Neil Barr, of Hull have taken over the reins of The Red Lion pub, on Middle Street North and are looking forward to making their first business venture a roaring success.

Debbie has been in and out of the pub trade her whole life while Neil has over 20 years experience as a chef so if anyone were to step up to the challenge of running the popular watering hole this is the couple to do it.

Debbie said: "I have been in and out of the pub trade for a long time and Neil is a chef as well but now I do the bed and breakfast side of things and Neil has taken over the running of the bar so we have swapped roles which is a nice change."

"It's something we have always wanted to do. When we got married we said that's it, we're going to go for it but we didn't know we were going to end up with a bed and breakfast, it makes it a bit different," she added.

The pub, which is owned by Greene King and run on their behalf by Daisy Chain Inns, offers en-suite accommodation, a wide range of beverages, and regular quiz nights and live music, something which the couple are keen to push if their first three months at the helm are a success.

Neil said: "We just hold the lease now and after three months they review the lease to see if it picks up and if all goes well they will let us stay on."

If given the thumbs up the couple also plan to expand on the catering side of the business by offering bar meals throughout the week and Sunday lunches.

The couple, who have lived in Hull for most of their lives, hope to become familiar faces in the town and are looking forward to getting to know their new home.