The 17th century Drum & Monkey pub in Upton-upon-Severn has been bought by local businessmen brothers Andrew and Paul Harker, who own property just next door.

Andrew and Paul have lived near the pub all their lives and were regular customers until its closure in March 2012.

They are hoping to have it back in operation within the year.

Buying the pub is an entirely new direction for the brothers, who until now have operated in the agricultural, construction equipment and motorcycle repair sectors.

Andrew said: “The Drum is part of our local heritage. We are confident we can get the Drum back on its feet as a proper country pub offering quality food and drink – locally sourced when possible – served with plenty of imagination and a smile.” “The Drum & Monkey offers great scope to continue with the traditional pub games of skittles and darts which have been well supported in recent years.”

The brothers plan to add the two and a half acres of ground that come with the pub to their existing ten acre holding as a venue for events such as club meetings, car rallies, festivals and other outdoor functions. “ The intention is that these activities will enhance the pub business and also bring more life to the area. All we need now is to get The Drum back on its feet.”

The pub was sold by pub and hotels specialists Colliers International who said they had welcomed the challenge of finding new owners for the distinctive pub - but hadn’t expected to find buyers quite so close by.

Hotels Director Peter Brunt: “It’s always good to find new owners for vacant village pubs which might have been standing empty and idle for months. “ Upton is a tourist draw and is within a short drive of Malvern and Tewkesbury while Gloucester and Worcester are very much within the catchment area.”