A FORMER pub once run by the winners of a Raymond Blanc TV series has been transformed into a continental-style cafe.

The former Hare and Hounds pub on Henley Road will re-launch as The Continental Bakehouse at the Hare and Hounds which will open next week.

The pub building has had several owners in the past few years, with BBC’s The Restaurant winners Michele English and Russell Clement unable to make the venture work after they launched in 2008.

The Continental Bakehouse will begin by serving breakfasts, pastries and afternoon teas, with an evening dinner menu to follow. Continental Baker, a specialist importer of breads and pastries, is behind the project.

A spokesman said: "It is going to be a really nice cafe serving excellent coffee, but the bread is the standout product along with the fresh pastries.

"At first we will be offering breakfast and aftermoon teas but an evening menu will follow. This is the first Continental Bakehouse and the long term plan is to move on to opening more."

He added that 10 staff members have already been recruited from the area.

The premises will also be fully licensed and will serve Marlow’s own Rebellion beers.

Long term owner Enterprise Inns confirmed that the former pub was sold on September 26.