FROM city politics to rural publican, the new owner of the Boot Inn in Calstock thought he was opting for the quiet life — but he's beginning to think he might have got it wrong. A busy pub with big plans is keeping Mark Thompson on his toes but it's a long way from his life at the sharp end of politics, where his environmental campaigning led the London borough of Merton to become the greenest local authority in Britain. A former deputy mayor of Merton and climate change spokesman, who helped Ken Livingstone in his quest to be mayor of London, the Plymouth- bred publican has also been a sociology lecturer, worked in community development with marginalised groups, education and training and a business support manager for the Prince's Trust. Still a staunch environmentalist, Mr Thompson, who seized upon the opportunity to run a pub in Calstock after moving back to the area, hopes to encompass his beliefs and interests into his business. 'This is something completely new for me but I have always had a soft spot for Calstock and I have friends here,' he said. 'I will be serving Fairtrade coffee, good wholesome beer and no GM products.' An Italian/English restaurant will be opening upstairs and Mr Thompson, 39, hopes to run a philosophy group, jamming sessions and multi- cultural food evenings. 'I suppose my aim is to engage with the community and I have been overwhelmed by the support so far,' he said.
