Two Birmingham businessmen who founded one of the city centre’s most popular bars are toasting the success of their new pub venture.

Chris Kelly and David Cappendell’s Metro Bar & Grill opened nine years ago and the duo has more than 50 years of combined industry experience.

They have now taken a lease with pub company Punch Taverns at the White Horse in Balsall Common, and just three months down the line business is already booming.

Having seen the pub’s potential they leapt at this opportunity, which is one of 750 pubs nationwide being transferred by Punch from managed to leasehold operations following its acquisition of the Spirit Group just over a year ago.

Chris and David carried out a £400,000, eight-week refurbishment prior to opening the pub in November last year. Following a busy Christmas, trade has started well in 2007 and they are looking forward to a successful summer.

Chris said: “We are delighted with how business has already taken off at the White Horse. We knew about the pub and could see its potential, so when the lease became available it seemed like too good an opportunity to turn down.

“Although the quality of the pub’s food has been greatly improved, we don’t want to be labelled as a ‘gastropub’ where people might feel the menu is expensive and they will only visit on special occasions.

“We’ve priced everything very sensibly so customers can afford to eat here on a more regular basis. Also, there will always be a warm welcome for locals to visit the pub for a few drinks without feeling obliged to have a meal as well.

“This is our first lease with Punch and they have been excellent to deal with throughout. If things continue to go well at the White Horse we would consider another pub lease in the Midlands and would be more than happy to work with them again.”

The refurbished pub also features two new large decked areas and a rear garden for al fresco drinking and dining. The interior has been given a warm make-over, featuring plenty of light colours, natural wood and stone.

Food is under the guidance of head chef Ian Cole, who previously worked at Metro in Solihull, with the menu featuring a wide range of freshly prepared lunches, evening meals and bar snacks available all day and superb Sunday roasts.

The pub’s day to day operation is handled by experienced manager Matt Bennett, while 30 staff are employed in total.

Metro, situated on Cornwall Street in the heart of Birmingham’s business district, has flourished since opening. Three years ago Chris and David launched a second site on Warwick Road, Solihull.

Giles Kendall, regional operations director for Punch Taverns, said: “It is wonderful to have such experienced and quality retailers running one of our pubs. They have already shown a massive commitment to the business with such a substantial up-front investment and I’m sure the White Horse will flourish under Chris and David’s guidance.”