A REFURBISHED pub offers food on volcanic rocks – literally.

The Halfway House, formerly the Granby Inn, of North Thorseby, has had an explosive start with its 440 degrees centigrade rock grill meals.

The venue has been packed since opening two weeks ago with a new-look building and innovative menu.

It has been taken over by experienced restaurateurs Angela and Matthew Durrant, who have owned Hall Farm, at Ashby-Cum-Fenby, for 18 years.

Matthew said: "This place needed a good freshen up – it was cold and needed some life brought back into it.

"Everything is fresh and we are so pleased with the outcome.

"We have put in new windows, painted the exterior, overhauled the heating system, deep-cleaned the interior and decorated.

"We wanted to change the name. Apparently it used to be called the The Halfway House many years ago.

"It is a warm and welcoming place to relax and eat, as well as still being a 'real pub'.

"We are most excited about the menu and so are our customers. The volcanic rocks have proven popular. We present the rock plate to the table and it maintains all its natural juices and flavours of the meat.

"When we have settled in with the restaurant side of things we may think about doing regular pub quizzes to give customers a bit of entertainment.

"We would like to thank everyone for their help and support with this venture."

The volcanic rock dishes include a choice of fillet steak, Cajun tuna loin, loin of lamb and Greek-style stuffed mushroom.

Angela added: "We didn't want the pub to be expensive because we want it to be open to everyone.

"Prices start from about £7 to £17 for a main course.

"We wanted to branch out from Hall Farm and invest in something different.

"We have lived in North Thorseby for many years, so we know the pub and customers very well."

Rachel Fello, co-manager, said: "It has been great fun at front of house and it has been so busy since we have opened.

"There is a great atmosphere and everyone has commented on how good the pub is looking.

"We have maintained the pub feel, as well as improving the restaurant.

"We have made sure the staff are smart, with a clean professional look."