A Swindon pub that has been closed since earlier this year has been taken over by a new owner, who hopes to open next month.

Faical Ben Wahida, known in the community as Fazz, got the keys for The Roaring Donkey on Albert Street, Old Town, in August and has been working hard refurbishing the venue in the hopes that he will be able to welcome customers from mid-November.

The pub closed its doors back in April with many locals fearing it could be the end for The Roaring Donkey.

But Faical, who has worked in various hospitality roles in Old Town for 20 years, including as a Thai restaurant manager, saw it as an opportunity to establish a new and exciting business.

He said: “I live locally in Old Town and I would always see The Roaring Donkey on my way home or to work. I could see myself doing something with it.

(Image: Faical Benwahida)

“We’re doing very well with the refurbishment. I’m trying to keep it as old and traditional as I can, but we have refreshed it. A lot of places aren’t just pubs, they’re bars now and there’s not that many pubs in Old Town, so I’m trying to keep it as it is.

“There’s going to be new furniture and it will be more relaxing, I’ve kept the fire so it’s more cosy in the evening and winter. The drinks are going to be for everyone’s taste.

"There was a problem before they were missing people like women, couples and families, so I want to get people back to the pubs and make sure they feel safe and try to get a bit of variation back there.

“Over the years I’ve met a lot of people in Old Town so a lot of people are ready to come in. I was looking after them for more than 15 years as my regular customers. They are already excited to come in. It’s a pub for everyone.

“The kitchen is too small for food so there will be drinks and nibbles on the house for now. If customers want to bring in food they can, I don’t mind that. Maybe after Christmas and New Year I will make little menus.”

Faical added: “I’m looking forward to it. I have opened from scratch and spent a lot of energy on it, now I’m so excited that I’m counting the minutes and days. It’s a dream for me to see it happen.”

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