The new owners behind the bar of a popular Ottery pub are putting community and traditional dishes at the heart of their business.

Sidmouth Herald: Martin Davies with JP and Ali Williamsthe new of the Lamb & Flag. Ref sho 41 18TI 2453. Picture: Terry IfeMartin Davies with JP and Ali Williamsthe new of the Lamb & Flag. Ref sho 41 18TI 2453. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

JP and Ali Williams and Martin Davies met working in the pub industry before joining forces to take over the Lamb and Flag in Batts Lane.

The trio took charge in July and recently carried out a three-and-a-half-week refurbishment to the bar and restaurant, at a cost of more than £100,000.

Using their experience and passion for traditional pub food, they hope to bring the community together and support local causes.

Chef JP said: “We saw an opportunity to get into ownership and do it for ourselves.

Sidmouth Herald: Martin Davies with JP and Ali Williamsthe new of the Lamb & Flag. Ref sho 41 18TI 2460. Picture: Terry IfeMartin Davies with JP and Ali Williamsthe new of the Lamb & Flag. Ref sho 41 18TI 2460. Picture: Terry Ife (Image: Archant)

“It’s an up-to-date traditional pub that is still part of the community.

“I just think Devon is a great area and I used to come here on holidays and fell in love with it and I would like our children to grow up here and enjoy what we had as children.

“The Ottery community is very embracing and very friendly, welcoming and warming and we want to embrace the community.

“It’s a community pub that has great standards and is a safe haven.”

In its first week of opening, the pub has achieved a five star hygiene rating after impressing environmental health inspectors.

JP, who is dad-of-four with wife Ali, said: “I have worked all over the world as a chef but the traditional food we have here is inspired by the first time I worked in a pub at the age of 14.

“It’s about keeping the food real and traditional, really en vogue and up to date.

“It’s about meeting customers’ expectations and aiming above them.

“We do not want to be a gastropub.”

The pub will also be offering a ‘safe haven’ for Tar Barrels goers with a ticketed evening for 100 guests on November 5.

JP said: “People will have a safe haven to watch the barrel rolling and be able to come back.

“They will have somewhere to go between the barrel rolling and use the toilets without the queues.”

Tickets are on sale for £20 and include a drink and buffet dinner.