HE BOUGHT a pub aged 22 with cash made playing the Stock Market while a student.

Ben Williams’s North Yorkshire watering hole then went on to win an AA Rosette and a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

Now the 28-year-old hopes to use his skills in the pub trade to turn around the Coach and Horses in Butchers Row, Banbury. The venue got a makeover last autumn from owners Hook Norton Brewery. Mr Williams said attracting drinkers back was key, as well as improving the food on offer, though it will be more pub grub than Michelin extravagance.

A beer festival will be held at the pub from next Friday to Bank Holiday Monday, May 7, to showcase eight brews, including Black Sheep Best Bitter from his home county.