A COUPLE whose search for their dream pub saw them appear on BBC’s ‘Escape to the Country’ have finally found what they are looking for – in their back garden.

Dawn Embury and husband Mark have taken over the Bird I’Th Hand, in Urmston, after looking at more than 20 potential pubs.

The couple, who live in a house built on the Flixton Road pub’s former bowling green, were saddened to see it ‘lose its way’ over the years and jumped at the chance to restore it to its former glory when it became available.

Dawn gave up her job in distribution and, with the help of Star Pubs and Bars, will oversee a £340,000 refurbishment of the establishment.

“We’ve looked at more than 20 and even appeared in ‘Escape to the Country’, but nothing felt right until we saw the Bird I’Th Hand and the spectacular plans for its restoration,” said Dawn.

“It’s a beautiful building in an area crying out for a great local. I remember the Bird I’Th Hand when it was ‘the place to go’ and I want to make it that place once again.”

Inside, work will include a revamped dining area and open style kitchen. Dawn is hoping to extend the pub’s opening hours to offer breakfast and morning coffee.

Wifi will be installed as well as new TV screens, Sky TV and BT Sport for sports screenings. Upstairs, two disused rooms are being transformed into a sports bar, complete with pool tables and darts boards and a function room for events and meetings.

The exterior is also getting a makeover. A new children’s play area will be created, as well as a new outside dining area. Dawn is also planning to open up the Bird I’Th Hand’s large car park as a space for community events and to run entertainment nights in the pub.

Italian food will be on the menu, as well as lights lunches and afternoon tea.

Work is expected to take five weeks with the pub scheduled to reopen at the end of October.

Husband Mark, an electrical engineer, and daughters Alice and Katie will be helping out.

Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs & Bars managing director said: “We feel fortunate that such a committed licensee as Dawn is taking on the Bird I’Th Hand and working with us to revive its fortunes.”