THE HIGHWAYMAN’S Haunt pub in Chudleigh took part in Small Business Saturday after reopening following a two-year closure.

Owner Phil Daysh is now planning to expand the pub and is in the process of applying for planning for a licensed café and farm shop, and a 25-pitch campsite.

MP Mel Stride visited the pub for the first time since it re-opened in August during a trip to Chudleigh to promote the annual event to support small businesses.

He met Phl and talked about the challenges local businesses are still facing as the country continues to combat Covid-19, particularly the hospitality and catering sector.

Phil said: ‘It was great to show Mel what we’ve done with the place, and to talk through our exciting plans. Small businesses have had a tough time during the past two years, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel and we are very optimistic about our future.’

Mel added: ‘It is our small businesses, like the Highwayman’s Haunt, that make towns like Chudleigh such fantastic places to live and work.