THE NEW landlords of one of Malvern's oldest pubs feel they have found their calling. 

Matty Pollock and his long-term partner Lisa-Marie Tout have taken over The Retired Soldier on Newtown Road and are looking to return it to the heart of the community. 

Having taken over the pub five weeks ago, the duo have given it a refurbishment as they attempt to turn its fortunes around. 

Mr Pollock and Miss Tout have never run a pub before, but have been around the industry for years through their work as owners of a security firm. 

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Mr Pollock told the Gazette: "This is something we always wanted to do and my partner recently got her licence and we thought now was the time.

"We were offered the chance to take over several new pubs in Malvern, but we settled on the Retired Soldier for its history.

"It is the second oldest pub in Malvern, I have worked as a security guard at the Unicorn, which is the oldest, but this is something completely different and I'm really excited about it."

Mr Pollock has now re-opened the pub back room, which hasn't been open for years and has installed a new darts board and game machine. 

Entertainment includes a live lounge every Friday featuring local singers, a disco and karaoke night on Saturday and regular open mic nights for comedians and poets to showcase their talents. 

The kitchen will also be modernised ready for food to be sold soon, although snacks are already available. 

Mr Pollock said he is looking to modernise The Retired Soldier while keeping its traditional values. 

"The experience so far has been absolutely brilliant, we feel we have found our calling and the response we've been getting from locals has been overwhelming. 

"The pub has been very quiet for several years, but regulars are coming back after not being here for ages. 

"We want to return this to the hub of the community, we know elderly people who come here if they are feeling lonely and have someone to talk to. 

"We are very big on charity events, we want a real family feel and for this to be a good old-fashioned pub."