AN EXCITING new chapter beckons for the Windmill Bar and Restaurant in Burford.

The venue is being taken over by a family, who are coming all the way from South Africa to set things up.

Rhiannon Pate, who will specialise in events and marketing at the Windmill, said: “ We’ve been operating catering and hospitality businesses together for as long as I can remember.

“My dad Barry is the financial and business brains of the team, being a management accountant by profession, and has a long history in the UK industry as a pub landlord.

See also: Police officers praised after stand-off with gunman

“My mum Vanessa is a chef and florist and brings her creative flair to the team, whilst my brother Matthew is a web developer so he usually takes care of operations and IT.”

Together the family have previously owned and operated The Hood Arms in Kilve, Somerset for 12 years, whilst simultaneously running The Rise Tree restaurant in Bourton-on-the-Water up until 2008.

It was then that the family embarked for South Africa.

They have spent the last eleven years developing Hudson’s Venue and Restaurant in Stellenbosch into a popular events venue in the Western Cape.

In addition to organising events, the family run a restaurant from the same premises.

Read more: Hundreds turn up to car meet at Oxford Parkway station

Miss Pate said: “Earlier this year, we decided it was time for a fresh challenge and we wanted to spend more time in the UK closer to our family.

“My parents returned in July to begin the search for the ideal business opportunity.

“In September we connected with Tom, owner of the Windmill, and fell in love with the incredible views and beautiful, characteristic building.

“My brother joined my parents back in the UK a few months ago, and I’ll be heading over early next year once peak summer season in South Africa is behind us.

“We are extremely excited about the amazing opportunity to develop the existing business and create a premium venue at the Windmill.

“We are looking forward to working with the excellent team in place and meeting everyone in the community.”

Read also: London Bridge victim was a former Oxfordshire schoolgirl

Miss Pate said that the family’s forte is weddings, where they provide and coordinate the venue, catering, bar, flowers, and decor all in-house for up to 120 weddings and other major events per year.

The family will continue to run Hudson’s with the intention to bring in South African wines and offer the opportunity for getting married in the country.

Staff at the Windmill were recently given time off as the venue was closed for a week’s maintenance.

Thomas Amer, the bar’s outgoing owner said: “The staff were given some well deserved time off in preparation for Hudson’s arriving.

“They’ve got amazing plans for the place.”