A DECADE ago they returned to their roots to ensure the survival of an East Yorkshire village's watering hole.
Now, husband-and-wife team Ben and Lindsey Cox are set to toast ten years of successful business after transforming The Star @ Sancton, near Market Weighton, into one of the region's finest gastro pubs.
The couple will celebrate the milestone when they welcome families to the 300-year-old pub this weekend for a day of celebrations.
Head chef Ben said: "It's been quite a journey and we're thrilled with what we've achieved during the past ten years.
"Back then we hardly dared hope that we'd still be here ten years on.
"We've just concentrated on doing what we feel we do best and steadily growing the business.
"One of the high points was when we reopened after extending and refurbishing the premises three years ago as that really reminded us just how far we've come.
"To be cooking in the state-of-the-art kitchen that I have now was just a distant dream ten years ago."
With Ben as head chef and Lindsey managing the front-of-house side of the operation, the couple make a formidable team.
Since taking over the pub in 2003, they have employed 25 local people and guided the business through year-on- year growth.
In 2010, they reaffirmed their commitment to Sancton with a major extension and refurbishment. More recently, they created a new entrance and driveway.
With the growth has come success.
The pub has scooped awards including two Remarkable Hull and East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (Reytas), and is also named in The Good Food Guide for 2013.
It has also featured on US daily TV show Travel Therapy and Channel 5's The Great Northern Cookbook.
However, with all the praise and worldwide publicity that has come The Star's way, Ben and Lindsey are determined to make sure the focus remains on the village.
"Our dining room is regularly packed with guests from across Yorkshire and beyond, but you are just as likely to find locals at the bar enjoying a pint of local ale and a locally-made pork pie," he said.
"We've always tried to balance the drinking and dining elements of the pub.
"We both grew up in Sancton and we know how important it is that the pub remains a hub at the heart of the community.
"That's why we've always held community and charity fundraising events here; we see it as part and parcel of our role as a village pub."
