Owners set to transform an old traditional pub into a new classy bar have revealed why they chose to start afresh in Royal Wootton Bassett.

The Grade-II listed Waggon and Horses which has been closed on Royal Wootton Bassett's High Street for the past year will reopen this autumn as Cobbstar - a 'speak-easy' style bar.

The bar is being set up by the Cobb Family - made up of Paul, Sara, their son Charlie and Nanny Cobb - and is their second go at running a bar after their previous business in Guildford was forced to close in the Covid-19 pandemic.

But in a tour of the new bar, due to open on November 29, Paul Cobb told the Advertiser that it wasn't actually the historic pub that first drew the family to Royal Wootton Bassett.

"When we were looking to reopen a bar after the pandemic we went to Southampton, London, Kent, Bristol and lots of other places to look around.

"We wanted to get it right and find the right venue. But ultimately, it was the people that made us make the decision to move here.

"From the moment we came to look around, everyone has just gone so out of their way to help us.

READ MORE: Full details confirmed for Cobbstar in Royal Wootton Bassett

"I quite like that it doesn't have a Weatherspoon or Greggs or loads of big chains because it puts more focus on the quality local businesses and it helps keep a classy feel to the town."

He added: "The venue wasn't actually ideal because it was in a very bad state and we knew it would take a lot of work.

"But we moved here because of the people - they made us want to make it work. It's the community that brings it all together."

The building that will become Cobbstar is believed to be of 17th century origin, and was leased to Beaufort Brewery in the 1870s before becoming a free house in 1992.

The Cobb family will continue showcasing the pub's history while also introducing new black, red and gold decor and an old Hollywood, red-rope style.

The bar will open this November with live music, cocktails, and a dress code of 'no workwear, tracksuit bottoms or baseball caps', and will offer a classy night out with a family feel.

"We really wanted to get back that connection that we lost with people in Covid," added Paul.

"It's about the service and the feeling. If you come here, you will be welcomed into the family."

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