DELICIOUS gastro-style food at great value prices is on the menu at the newly-opened Copper Key Inn in North Tawton, where four friends are following their dream.

Talented and experienced chefs ­— James, John, Arthur and Jack ­— are delighted to have become the new proprietors of the historic thatched inn, where they’ve been looking forward to bringing something special to the town and extending a warm welcome to patrons old and new — whether local, or from further afield.

Having forged their friendship in professional kitchens, the four are focused upon creating amazing food from ingredients that are locally sourced and seasonal, wherever possible.

Head chef John, who spent 10 years in the kitchen at the renowned Muddiford Inn near Barnstaple, is behind the menus, which are sure to whet your appetite, whether you’re a seasoned foodie, or someone who can’t tell your kale from your cauli. You’ll very definitely know what great food tastes like, at the Copper Key Inn.

With John at the helm and the specials’ board regularly changing with the seasons, the team aims to become a destination on the good food lovers’ map.

On the kids’ menu, you’ll find goujons, homemade from tender, breaded chicken-breast (informally known as nuggets, to keep younger diners satisfied!), while the superb hand-made pies and Sunday roasts at the Copper Key are surely set to become the stuff of local legend.

The Copper Key has an intimate 24-cover restaurant, enabling its friendly staff to focus upon customer-service that’s second to none. Food is also served in the restaurant and bar, with both welcoming diners at lunchtime and evenings Monday to Saturday and from 12pm to 6pm on Sundays. The inn itself is open to patrons from midday until closing time.

Look out for ales from the Taw Valley Brewery, with Copper Key Ale — a delicious mild especially brewed for the inn’s opening this week — the first of an exciting variety of guest ales that’s set to ring the changes regularly.

With Doom Bar always on tap, the Copper Key also has a carefully-selected wine list, all part of James, John, Jack and Arthur’s aim to make the Copper Key a comfortable and relaxing place to while away a cosy hour, afternoon, or evening.

Ahead of the inn’s extensive revamp, the four thought long and hard about the warm and welcoming community hub they wanted to create on North Tawton’s Fore Street — and a gastro pub that’s worth the journey from miles around.

The team is confident that, with the support of local tradesmen and suppliers, they’ve come up all with the right ingredients — from the delicious food and well-stocked bar, to the interiors and welcoming atmosphere.

The family-friendly Copper Key is well-stocked with board games for kids of all ages to while away a rainy day and also has a sports bar, separate to the main bar, complete with pool table, darts and juke box.

Ahead of its launch, the North Tawton gastro-pub’s Facebook page has already attracted thousands of views from people eagerly anticipating something special.

‘It’s been a lot of hard work but we’re really excited’ said co-proprietor James, looking ahead to the Copper Key’s restaurant opening, which takes place at lunchtime today (Thursday , October 31).

‘We’re really looking forward to welcoming people to this part of Devon and are aiming to become the heart of the local community.’