Jay Evans and Dan Wagg, joint landlords of the Maldon Grey, in Cats Lane, Great Cornard, celebrate a successful start to their tenure which has been recognised by James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk

The new landlords of a village pub have celebrated a successful start in their new venue which has been recognised by the area’s MP.

Jay Evans and Dan Wagg took over the Maldon Grey, in Cats Lane, Great Cornard, near Sudbury, in January and have re-established it as a community destination.

They have forged a relationship with the Stour Valley Food Bank, for whom they raised £200 in an Easter raffle as well as an Easter egg appeal, as well as being a regular meeting spot for groups such as the local radio association and Cornard United FC.

James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, praised the ‘thriving’ pub in a visit today and highlighted the importance of venues like the Maldon Grey for communities.

“We really came in on a mission,” said Mr Evans. “As a pub it had lost its place in the community – it had kind of become like a boozer that served food.

“We quickly fell in love with the pub and met some incredibly lovely people; the feedback has been incredible, people coming back who haven’t been here for years.

“We’ve gotten to know the area and it’s got a great atmosphere again.”

The new landlords will be introducing several new elements to the Maldon Grey over the coming month.

An adapted menu will debut on May 9 which will feature more traditional ‘pub grub’ including an all day breakfast and chilli con carne.

Meanwhile, on May 27, the sizeable beer garden will be relaunched, featuring an outside screen which they will use as a ‘Euros Hub’ for the upcoming football championships while also having a family focused area.

Mr Cartlidge said: “Pubs are so important to our communities and to have people that are passionate about running these pubs so it’s successful is great.

“It’s so precious to have a thriving pub on your doorstep and it’s important that we support our pubs.”

The South Suffolk MP also praised the pubs staff and in turn the landlords for assembling a good team.

Hannah Mills, the Greene King business development manager for the pub, heralded the efforts of joint landlords Mr Evans and Mr Wagg.

“They’ve done a brilliant job with everything they’re doing for the community,” she said.

“They’re very forward thinking and they’ve created a really nice atmosphere in here – it’s great to work alongside them.”