TWO new owners have taken the helm at a popular pub and restaurant in Pill.

The Anchor reopened yesterday (Wed) as Melbournes BYO at The Anchor under the ownership of Tony Wilshaw and Leigh Iles.

Previously owned by the Mezze restaurant group, which reopened the Ham Green venue following a makeover in May 2013, Tony and Leigh were managers of the pub before they took it over.

Now, they will revive a Bristol restaurant concept after more than a decade.

For 15 years Melbournes was considered an institution in the city’s Park Street and allowed customers to take along their own wine to enjoy with a meal.

After selling the business in the 1990s, co-owner Tony has decided to re-launch it at The Anchor.

From today a new bar menu will be available, with the full restaurant offering being launched from early September. There will be a pizza and grill menu as well as a takeaway service.

Tony said: “I suppose 15 years is a long time to wait before returning with a successful concept but I feel now is the right time.

“Diners revelled in the fact that at Melbournes you could bring your own wine without a corkage charge and will be reviving this BYO policy.”