IT WAS out with the old and in with the new at the New Inn a few weeks ago - and the old contained a few surprises.

The pub in Huby, near Easingwold, has been renovated and taken over by wife and husband duo Tori and Howard Sharp - but they found a long-hidden surprise waiting for them, thanks to one of their predecessors.

When they came to upgrade the bench seating, they found a small parcel waiting for them, dated 1 October 1986.

"This parcel is left here for the people who come after," read the message on an envelope, which contained a set of coins (back in the days when most were much bigger than they are now).

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The parcel left by a previous landlord

Alongside them was a copy of the Yorkshire Post from the previous day, September 30, meaning regulars have been catching up on some 1980s news while admiring the new surroundings, and no doubt waxing lyrical about how cheap everything in the classifieds looks 29 years on.

There wasn't much mystique about the package, it should be said. An air of mystery would have been nice, but the envelope was signed by Paul Gorgon, who was landlord back then and who is still a regular today.

"He said he had no idea it was there," says Tori. "But then he eventually remembered having done it."

Surprise finds aside, Tori and Howard are very much looking to the future rather than the past, and the pub has been given a lot of attention, to set it on the way.

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Inside the newly-refurbished New Inn

Much of the seating has been re-upholstered; the snug has been turned into a private dining area; and the existing dining area in the conservatory has been redecorated and sofas have been added in one section of the lounge Rob Chrystal has been appointed as chef and the menu immediately looks more imaginative than most pubs. Monkfish wrapped in cured bacon, roasted on a tomato and crayfish butter, caught my eye, for instance.

On the bar, Leeds Pale, Tetley's Cask and Black Sheep are the ales, alongside the ubiquitous Carling, Grolsch and John Smith's.

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Tori and Howard are from Huby themselves, and have now moved back after 18 months at The Bay Tree in Stillington. They were lured back by friends who sensed they might enjoy the new challenge of developing their home pub, and owners Enterprise Inns spent £30,000 on the refurbishment, having been satisfied that Tori and Howard were genuinely committed.

"They said they were waiting for the right couple and we're very happy here," said Tori. "We have really appreciated the support from Enterprise. We’ve been involved in the scheme from day one and we are really pleased that many of our ideas have been incorporated – so it really does feels like our pub now."

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Old bottles on display in the New Inn at Huby

Down the line, Tori hopes to build the New Inn's reputation as a destination pub, particularly for events.

"I want to do more parties and group bookings and events," says Tori. "We have occasional live music but that's not mainly what we are about. I love the restaurant trade and I am very proud of what we serve. There are quite a few local businesses here so I think there is scope for parties and events.

"I would really like to be able to host small wedding parties, now that we are proud of the interior. I really like the idea of trying to 'fix' the place. My parents used to bring me and my brother and sister here, and it always used to be packed. It was the [italics] pub to go to. Everyone talked about it and I want it back on the map.

"Everyone has loved it so far, since the refurbishment, and I think the villagers are almost grateful that someone has finally done something with it, and done what the pub deserves."