A COUNTRY pub which suffered severe flooding in July when the River Stour burst its banks, has only just re-opened its doors.

The 15th century Coventry Arms at Corfe Mullen took two months to dry out after water started seeping up through the drains.

By morning the ground floor was completely flooded, ankle deep, and landlord John Marsh had no option but to close the doors for what turned out to be a substantial period.

He had no idea it would take so long to welcome locals back in but the opportunity was taken for a major refurbishment with a substantial investment from Enterprise Inns.

“It was a blessing in disguise,” said John, who had only taken over the tenancy of the Mill Street pub a few months before. “Without the flood this never would have happened.”

The wooden floor has been replaced by stone, the bar reduced in size and lifted up on feet, to reduce the impact of any future flood from the river at the bottom of the garden.

John and wife Marie, who live there with baby daughter Harriet, 18 months, were able to choose colour schemes for indoor decor, the outside of the pub has been repainted and the fisherman pub sign replaced with a cockerel.

“I didn’t know what the locals would think about it,” said John, who re-opened on Wednesday. “Everyone loves it, they thinks it’s really nice, homely and warm.”

Having missed the summer and any passing trade from the Olympic sailing at Weymouth, he is now hoping to make up.

“The pub was run down,” he said. “We have brought it back to its prime.”