A landlord has returned to a pub in Hammersmith he ran for six years and has vowed to place it back at the heart of the community.

Tom Gavaghan has returned to the Thatched House in Dalling Road after previously running the pub from 2002-2008.

Following his departure, the pub's name was changed to the Butcher’s Hook, so one of his first acts has been to restore its historic name.

“It’s about bringing the Thatched House story back," said Mr Gavaghan. "It’s been here for the past 160 years. It had lost its identity.

"I want it waving its flag as part of the community again. That’s what pubs are - they’re the heart of the community, they’re landmarks, they’re where people celebrate and commiserate and share their stories.

"It’s got to be part of the community, that’s what we do.”

Tom Gavaghan wants to make the Thatched House a community hub

Among the ways he’s planning on building strong community ties is to hold a "Me Market" on the first Saturday of every month, starting in October, where people can come and talk about what they do and share ideas, and a Christmas street party.

Said Mr Gavaghan: “If people have got a book they can talk about it, or if they’re a busker or an actor. There are so many skills, so much talent out there and pubs are the place to show that off.

“This industry doesn’t always have to be about making money, that comes further down the line.”

If history is anything to go by, Mr Gavaghan will achieve his goals at the Thatched House.

He is also the landlord of the Andover Arms in Aldensley Road, which he’s owned since 2007.

It was named Fuller’s Pub of the Year last year and was recently rated the number two pub to visit on Trip Advisor.

He also took over the Lord Palmerston in Tufnell Park in April before taking on the Thatched House in July.

Mr Gavaghan has also set up www.PubDoctor.com, which helps struggling and new landlords make successes of their pubs.

“It’s not just a job it’s a lifestyle," he added. "You’ve got to absolutely love it."