A PUB and restaurant previously operated by celebrity Marco Pierre White has new owners.

The Rainbow Inn at Cooksbridge has been taken on by Alison Atherton and her family.

She took control of the pub at the start of the month and after a period of refurbishment hopes to open the doors again on September 30.

Customers will be welcome seven days a week.

Ms Atherton said: “My family and I cannot wait to open the doors and throw ourselves into the life of the community.

“Of course we want The Rainbow to be recognised for consistently excellent food and drink but, more importantly, it will be somewhere that is renowned for its warm welcome and friendly faces.

“A place to escape to with friends and family, relax, and be looked after.”

There is a new team in the kitchen led by Alex Jones.

Alex comes from a two-Rosette background and he is keen to cook fresh home-made dishes with the emphasis on flavour.

Ms Atherton describes them all as “passionate foodies”. Menu choices at The Rainbow will rotate regularly to make the most of seasonal local produce.

For those not wanting a substantial meal, there will be tea and coffee, cakes, sandwiches and bar nibbles. The Rainbow will be stocked with drinks from local producers.

Pierre White left the pub in 2012 after locals shunned his “fancy food”.

The transfer of ownership of The Rainbow was handled by specialist leisure property experts Fleurets.

Nick Earee, of Fleurets, said: “I have known the Rainbow for many years. Having worked with both the freeholder and tenants, I am delighted.”