When it comes to a good pub, what could be better than one that is family run with traditional values, serves hand-pumped cask ale, freshly prepares food using local produce and is smoke-free?

And for added measure, the Black Bull, in Frosterley, near Stanhope, has its own set of miniature bells on pulleys and ropes that have already attracted bell ringers from far and wide.

Owners Duncan and Diane Davis have invested £300,000 in the hope that they will experience the success they had with their previous venture in Northumberland.

Five years ago, the couple ploughed their life-savings into creating a rural coffee shop, which they rented in the Kirkharle Courtyard complex of businesses and shops in Kirkharle, near Colwell, north of Hexham.

After a shaky start, the business grew and attracted customers from across the region and beyond.

It employed 22 people and had an annual turnover of about £160,000.

But before Christmas last year, the Davises were told that their lease for the coffee shop would not be renewed in June. Instead, the landlord would run the business himself.

"We found ourselves in a very difficult situation with only six months to get ourselves sorted. We literally had to pick ourselves up off the floor," said Mr Davis.

The 54-year-old, who is a photographer, and worked with chef and entrepreneur Terry Laybourne on his book A Quest for Taste, decided he and his wife would open another food and drink business in the region.

"We went to the University of Durham's business school and had help with what we called our 'disaster recovery plan' and also appointed a mentor, Keith Gill, who is the man who set up the Phileas Fogg brand," said Mr Davis.

"We wanted to set up a niche tourist destination and we found the Black Bull for sale on the Internet and knew it was what we wanted."

The couple secured almost £300,000 from the Bank of Scotland Corporate to finance the purchase and refurbish the pub.

"We have tried to create a Dales pub just as it would have been at the turn of the 20th Century," said Mr Davis.

He added: "We have put back lots of original features, including old ranges and oak wooden floor."

The pub serves freshly ground coffee and cakes from 10.30am, light lunches, afternoon teas and evening meals, using local produce wherever possible.

Mr Davis said: "We have just two hand pumps and serve locally-brewed cask ale only.

"There is no smoking and no music either.

"And just for fun we have a set of miniature bells installed, which used to be in our Northumberland caf, and attracted bell ringers from all over the country."