A PUB more used to serving up ale than arias has entertained regulars with a vocal performance that hit the high notes.

The Old Well, in Barnard Castle, held an operatic night starring Penelope Randall- Davis, who has performed all over the world, including at the Sydney Opera House.

A handful of regulars got to hear Mrs Randall Davis’ vocal power at close quarters during an Italian-themed dinner.

She performed a series of 17th Century Italian arias to guests who bought a ticket.

The idea was thought up by pub proprietor Peter Cockerill, who is a friend of the opera star.

Mr Cockerill, who took over The Old Well six months ago, said: “It is a traditional pub and we are big on real ale. But we try to do things that attract people for the social element of coming to the pub instead of staying in the house.

“The response has been fantastic. We sold out and could have sold the tickets two or three times over.”

Mrs Randall-Davis, who lives in Barnard Castle, said: “Opera was the popular music of its time and I think there is a real argument for doing it in smaller places.

“You just have to adapt what you are doing to the setting and it really works because opera is very immediate and people really do get it.”