With six children, the new landlord of The Load of Hay is never short of staff.

Ronald Hopper, 50, bought the pub in Staines Road, Bedfont, a year ago after moving from Ashford.

He said: "We owned a pub there but it wasn't making enough money, so we moved here and bought The Load of Hay, which is doing a lot better. I want to retire early."

The pub underwent a major refurbishment only two months ago and as well as having its decor updated and new toilets installed, now boasts a new landscaped beer garden, where locals can enjoy weekly barbecues and a purpose-built smoking area complete with heat lamps and lighting.

Ronald said: "We have also just started doing Sunday lunches. They are lovely and have been a real hit with families. Our customers are a really friendly bunch, there is a real family atmosphere.

"I have six children so a few of them sometimes help out, collecting glasses and the like, when they want pocket money. It would be nice if they followed me into the pub business."

Opening times: Mon-Thurs, 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am; Sun, noon-11pm.

Drinks: Usual range of wines, spirits and lagers.

Food: Sunday lunch. Adult: £5.95, children: £3.95.

Entertainment: Three plasma TVs with Sky sports. Karaoke every Saturday, from 9pm. Band or soloist every Friday, from 9pm.

Tel: 020 8890 7629