THE plight of village pubs has been recorded at length. This week we report that another, at Thirn near Bedale, is to be turned into a private house.

But we also record how another traditional village pub has found a new role, as a thoroughly modern tapas-style restaurant/bar. After many months for sale, what was the Blacksmith's Arms at Husthwaite, between Thirsk and Easingwold, has been purchased and converted by Robin and Nikki Jaques, formerly of the Fauconberg Arms at nearby Coxwold.

Spectator attended the recent opening evening at The Roasted Pepper, as it is now called, and had cause to muse on what this phenomenon tells us about the changing face of small villages.

Initially, the idea of a mode-ish restaurant typical of the city centres of like Leeds and Newcastle in a quiet rural backwater like Husthwaite seems bizarre.

But clearly a continental-style restaurant is a more viable proposition than a traditional village pub because the owners are confident that, with the A19 handily placed a couple of miles away, they can attract diners from York, Teesside and perhaps even further afield.

But they also need local trade and probably the Roasted Pepper will be more attractive for the villagers than the old Blacksmith's Arms.

And why is that? Equally clearly the nature of the village has changed. Most of its residents will work elsewhere, will have moved to the country from the town, and their idea of fun evening out is not a pint or two of beer and packet of pork scratchings.

It's all summed up in the name. In many villages, the Roasted Pepper generation and has taken over from the Blacksmith's Arms'.

Credit is due to the Jacques, however for not entirely turning their backs on the pub's traditions. Should a thirsty yeoman farmer fresh from endeavours in the fields be passing, he can still call in for a good pint.

Not sure about the pork scratchings though.

Taking flight again

SIGNS that the countryside really is getting back to normal, Number 127: a hot air balloon was spotted floating serenely across the Sunday morning sky near Northallerton at the weekend.

Usually a regular occurrence, particularly in the summer, this was the first one spotted in many a long month. And a welcome sight it was too.

Confused message

SPOTTED round the corner from the D&S' offices in Darlington the other day, a Big Issue seller setting up stall to sell his worthy magazine - while talking on his mobile. Let's hope the future's bright for him.

Staff training

SPECTATOR spotted this sign on the door to Everyone Wants in Darlington's Cornmill Centre: "This shop open's at 9.30 due to staff training." In the correct use of the apostrophe, one can only hope.