Blue Vinny in Puddletown has been reopened after six weeks

As previously reported, the Blue Vinny in Puddletown suddenly closed at the end of August leaving it without a pub in the village, with the nearest two miles away in Tolpuddle.

Residents said they were devastated and hoped the pub could be saved.

The Blue Vinny was suddenly closed at the end of August (Image: NQ) Now, the pub has been given a second lease of life after Dorchester-based Martin Rawlings and his wife Chantal bought the pub from the previous owners who ran the establishment for the past 12 years.

Mr Rawlings said: “It’s been a bit nerve-wracking, but Chantelle and I are looking forward to the challenge ahead, and to bring back this boozer to the village. We have a young family ourselves, and we really want that family-friendly atmosphere.”

Pub manager, Matt Payne, also from Dorchester, said to help take on the pub was an easy one. He said: “Martin phoned up and said, and it was as simple as, 'if I buy it, will you run it?'

Pub manager Matt Payne, with landlords Chantal Rawlings and Martin Rawlings (Image: Blue Vinny) “Martin has family in Puddletown and I have friends in the village, and they were all devastated after news broke that the pub had closed.

“Essentially, we just wanted this pub to get back to being a traditional family village pub, with a homely atmosphere where everyone is welcome.

“I’ve ran a few pubs before, my family runs one in Charminster, and I have run one in Wareham as well, so I have experience.”

The manager went on to say that the team at the pub have spent the last six weeks carrying out major refurbishments which include decorating the inside, to installing a play area in the back garden, and renovating the beer garden.

The pub officially had its open day on Saturday, September 28, with a BBQ, bouncy castle and live music.

Staff outside the Blue Vinny pub in Puddletown (Image: Blue Vinny) Speaking about the response from the community since opening, Mr Payne said: “We have had a magnificent response from the community on our open day with an incredible turnout with around three to four hundred people walking through the door on the day.

In terms of changes from the previous owners, the landlords have decided to return to a ‘pub grub’ menu- as well as a popular Sunday carvery.

Plans are also in place to host a live music act every month, as well as regular quiz nights.