BEING barred took on a new meaning for one pub landlord in Stockton Heath who turned bard to thank a design company for its refurbishment.

Tony and Ceris Shadwell, landlord and landlady of The Red Lion, on London Road, decided to show their gratitude to Innex Design by writing them a poem about the redevelopment.

“I’m not usually a man of poetry,” said Tony. “But we felt the need to commend the Innex guys in this way – they were a pleasure to work with.”

Tony’s 16-line poem takes in the wonders of the £160,000 redevelopment from the bar to the new toilets and invites the staff down to enjoy their hospitality.

Chris Catelani, from Innex Design, added: “We’re delighted we were appointed for the job. And the poem will have pride of place on our wall.”