FOUR generations of a family who sold all their houses and travelled 140 miles from Manchester to buy an empty West Somerset pub, say they have been overwhelmed by the welcome and help from residents while bringing back to life the iconic 17th century Butchers Arms, in Carhampton.

“Since we bought the pub in February, the community has been absolutely amazing,” said Nick Moores, who moved in with his son Jasper, his parents Tina and Frank, and 90-year-old grandfather Rex.

A small store has already opened in the pub to help replace the village’s former shop which closed in 2022 and ambitious plans may include some kind of Post Office service.

Mr Moores said: “At the moment the nearest shops and Post Office are in Minehead and there are a lot of older people who do not find it easy to travel.

“The way things are going we will need to take on more staff in the spring when we develop our food menu.

“We have put everything we have into the pub and we are all in it together.

“We spent the summer doing a complete renovation to bring the place back to its former glory as the social hub of the village after lying empty for 18 months.

“I could not believe it when people just turned up to help - one day, 14 volunteers arrived with their tools to clear and repair the car park.

“This has carried on, I cannot count the number of people who have sent messages or called in to offer support, help, and encouragement.

“Our opening night at the end of last month was incredible.

“The place was full to capacity all night to the time we closed.”

Customers included local Somerset Council members Cllrs Marcus Kravis and Cara Strom, who helped out behind the bar at the busiest times.

Mr Moores said although the family moved to Manchester, they always had dreams of ending up in West Somerset.

He said: “My father was born in Williton and we had family in Washford and Carhampton so we know the area well and there have always been pubs in the family.

“We came down to West Somerset every year to see relatives and I have always gone past the pub and seen it open and shut so many times.

“It was a massive decision to take the plunge and buy the freehold but I have not regretted it for a moment.”

A growing programme of events includes quiz and skittles nights, live music, a traditional wassail on January 17, and a new exhibition of historic photographs and artefacts provided by the village’s heritage group.

Mr Moores said: “The big thing from my point of view is that the pub is our family’s home.

“It is a business, but I want to be part of the community, which puts a different slant on how you do things.

“The people who come to the Butchers are great customers but many of them are also my neighbours.

“I absolutely love living here.”