IT WON’T be music to some ears, but to Petersfield pub-goers it will be an appetising prospect.

The Good Intent in College Street is no longer be a venue for regular live rock music, as it was under former tenant Geoff Wootton.

New tenants Craig and Nicky Harden are rebranding the historic hostelry as the place to find traditional English pub food as well as bistro-style plats du jour.

The couple, who work for the South Coast Pub Company, have spent the last month repainting the bar and restaurant areas, devising the new menus and welcoming regulars and new customers.

It will be something of a juggling act for them as they also took over the Traveller’s Joy pub in Southbourne, near Chichester, three months ago.

They have turned that into a food-based rather than music-based pub too.

The Good Intent became known in the area for an impressive line-up of live acts under Geoff Wootton, and some music fans will miss that, Craig and Nicky concede.

But for them the recipe for a thriving pub is going back to basics.

“I see this business as simple really, just common sense,” explained Craig (52), who has worked in the food industry for years, for big name chains including Yo Sushi. He is the chef at the pub and is looking for a sous chef.

“It’s a quick fix of good food and good service. We have changed The Good Intent into a food pub which it used to be known for in the town many years ago.

“It did worry us when some people said we were taking away their music, but our analysis showed people wanted us to bring back the food.”

It won’t be entirely live music free – Nicky (49) would like to bring in occasional acoustic acts to accompany the dining.