A new landlord has taken over a much-loved Newtown pub which has the "best beer garden in town" with big plans for the future.

Paul Cartner was handed over the keys to The Pheasant Inn this week as he takes on the new role of running Newtown's first purpose-built pub.

Despite the nerves, Paul, who has never run a pub before, says he's looking forward to starting a new chapter.

"We'll do everything we can to make it work," he said. "There are a lot of people who love this pub and we're trying to get it busy again.

"Pubs are struggling and we need to get everything back to how it used to be.

“Our beer garden is by far the best in town. Some people don’t even know it’s there. It’s an absolute sun trap. We’re going to make it more usable for every day. Everybody says it’s the best beer garden."

County Times: Paul Cartner is the new landlord of The Pheasant Inn, Newtown.

Paul says he's keen to get regular live music back at the pub including open mic nights and bands to bring a bit of buzz to the Market Street area of town.

This week, contracts were signed when Paul took over the pub from his best friend and fellow landlord Chris Thompson after learning the ropes over the past six months following a career as an electrical engineer.

Chris, who will continue to run The Buck Inn, said he took over The Pheasant six months ago after the pub came into some difficulties.

After juggling both The Pheasant and Newtown's oldest pub, Chris has shared some words of advice with Paul.

"It's not a quick fix. It's time, perseverance, and a lot of hard work,” he said.

"He’s definitely the right person for the job. I’m so proud of him."

Chris added: "It’s only been six months, but it's been a journey. The pub had shut down for six weeks due to some issues and it was either I took it on, or it will not be a pub again. I thought we can't lose this place. It’s lovely. It would break my heart if this pub turned into flats."

The Pheasant Inn will be hosting ‘Phez Fest’, a welcome party and fundraising event on Sunday, August 27, to celebrate the new ownership.