While the new landlords of the Kersey Bell could not be happier with their welcome from their surprisingly numerous amount of customers, they are facing one major drawback.

Derii Rogers and Sean Phillips took over the Bell in Kersey at the beginning of December and have been pleasantly surprised by the support villagers, and those from further beyond, but are in desperate need of more staff to cope with demand.

"We never realised just how busy it was going to be," said Derii. "We thought it was going to a quiet, out of the way pub with a new customers a way, but it has been the opposite, which is fabulous."

With plans to start opening on Monday and Tuesday after Christmas weekend, Derii and Sean are searching for the right people to join the team

"We are looking for staff that are local," said Derii. "We need cover for various shifts, including two part time front of house and one full time position in the kitchen, though we know they are like gold dust."

The couple moved up from South Wales to replace popular sisters Wendy who decided not to renew their lease after seven years behind the pumps. Full story here..

On the day Nub News spoke with the couple they had served breakfast to a shooting club, followed by a busy lunch service, and were preparing for a large dinner booking and that has been the norm.

Despite being so busy, their enthusiasm flowed over and the pair from Swansea and Cwmbran spoke of how thy met last year when Sean was a roofer, while Derii been in hospitality since his parents ran a pub in Wales.

They virtually finish each other's sentences and are in agreement about the task ahead. Derii has two teenage children in Wales, and four year old son from a previous relationship, living in Suffolk and that was a factor in moving to the area.

"We appreciate how tough it is," said Derii. "We will be juggling working together, living together and family commitments."

Then there is the relative solitude after bing used to running a city pub with amenities on every corner.

Derii added: "There has always been a Bookers three minutes away or supermarkets just down the road, but it is an expedition to get anything here."

Not that they would change it and paid tribute to the Bell's previous landladies in the way they ran the pub, and the help given in the hand over.

Sean said: "The previous landlords did such a good job we pretty much want to keep it as it is.

"We will probably look to introduce live bands in the summer, small festivals, and few other things in the new year."

These include adding pygmy goats and a pony to the large open space, which were popular in their previous pub.

"People love it," said Derii, "when they come in they can feed the animals."

Other ideas to keep customers happy will be meal deals on quieter days of t week.

Derii added: "We are looking to open on Mondays and Tuesdays and perhaps do special deals like two can dine for £15.99 ham and egg with chips for offer in January."

The dynamic duo have already felt the love of Kersey village and are keen to make the most of the Suffolk countryside, and visiting Hadleigh.

"It is a lovely community, said Sean. "We are enjoying it and are looking forward to exploring the area."

If you are interested in working at the Bell and live local contact Derii or Sean: 01473 823229.

*For a wide range of vacancies in Hadleigh and surrounding areas go to our Jobs Page here...