DARLINGTON’S Foffano family is hoping to turn the fortunes of a once-popular pub around.

The latest owners of the Foresters Arms in Coatham Mundeville hope to re-establish it at the heart of the community while making a success of their third Darlington business.

With two popular ventures under their belts – Foffano’s restaurant and Little Foffano’s Deli – the family have big plans for their latest acquisition.

Formerly managed by well-known landlady Kate Umpleby, the pub closed earlier this year following tensions between her and owners Enterprise Inns.

The Foffanos, however, were not discouraged by the pub’s past and believe they will be able to give the pub back to its loyal regulars while attracting new customers.

Landlady Emma Foffano said her team are dedicated to ensuring the pub plays a part in the community and promised to keep up the tradition of hosting events on and around the premises throughout the year.

In line with the family’s other businesses, The Foresters Arms – also managed by chef Sylwester Michalak - will offer a variety of locally sourced and high quality dishes.

Mrs Foffano said: “We’ll make sure this pub is a community pub, which it always was in the past.

“We’d love to carry on taking part in the kind of events it has always been involved in.

“Our aim is to give people a traditional English pub with good food that people can enjoy.”

She added: “It’s daunting and we know it will be a lot of hard work but this is an ideal project for Sylvestre and I to work on.

“I’ve had two successful businesses and I’m sure we can make this pub a third.”

The pub welcomed customers for the first time last week, holding a launch party with a free buffet on Sunday.