A pub in Blackheath is being transformed in to a 'community hub' by a music-loving couple.

Caroline Barrett, 36, and Mark Barrett, 43, took over the Royal Standard pub on Vanbrugh Park, Blackheath on Feburary,13, this year.

The pair both have connections to the music industry. Mr Barrett used to run live music venues in Shoreditch and Ms Barrett is a singer songwriter.

They aim to bring residents of Blackheath in to the Royal Standard with the use of music.

Mr Barrett said: “First and foremost we want this to be a hub of the community but we are also aiming for it to become a destination venue for people in the wider area want to come out and listen to great and authentic music of all genres in a really welcoming pub environment.”

The pub’s sales have doubled in the last four months, which Mr Barrett attributed to the couple’s efforts to improve the atmosphere.

Their music events have also gone down well too. The pair put on an alternative karaoke night with comedian Kirsty Newton which they said had been a great success with the community.

Upcoming listings for the pub can be found on their Facebook page.

Ms Barrett said: “They have embraced it and they are coming down in droves to see her. It is a good old-fashioned sing along.

“Pubs in the olden days used to have an upright piano and everybody would join in. It is one of those things that pulls people together.”

Both Mr and Ms Barrett have plenty of experience of pubs and bars. Mr Barrett used to manage Shoreditch venues Cargo, Cantaloupe and the Queen of Hoxton.

He met his future wife when she was working on the bar at Cargo. They got married and had children. They then waited for their children to go to school before taking on their own pub.

Mr Barrett said that the local community have been very supportive of him and his wife and they have been made to feel very welcome.

The pub is putting on a variety of music events including a soul night this Saturday (August,6) and a rock and roll open mic night next Tuesday (August,8).