A Swaledale pub is set to open next month after a £200,000 investment.
Building work is underway at the King’s Arms, in Reeth, ahead of a planned reopening on July 18.
Owners Star Pubs say their investment will be matched by a similar sum later in the year by new licensees, Lisa and Billy Cessford, and Lisa’s brother David Tighe to upgrade the pub’s ten ensuite letting rooms.
Star says the internal revamp of the Grade II listed building will aim to highlight the pub’s original features and update the pub with new decor.
Seating for 60 will be at wrought iron and wooden tables with wooden and upholstery covered chairs and window seats and leather benches.
A stripped back timber fronted bar, new curtains, carpets and timber flooring as well as new lighting and pictures are also planned.
Toilets are being upgraded with new heritage style sanitaryware, panelled walls with William Morris style wallpaper above and timber flooring.
A new catering kitchen is also being installed to support the licensees’ plan to become a destinatioon food pub.
Outside, the pub has had a new roof, redecoration and new signage.
New lighting and the installation of new outdoor tables and chairs is also planned.
The new licensees, who are from Redcar, say they are passionate about North Yorkshire. Lisa, has run a hairdressers, Chapterz, in Northallerton for the last 20 years, and Billy is a prop maker for TV and screen.
David, who will be overseeing the day-to-day running of the pub, has over 30 years hospitality experience, most recently working in a hotel in the Cotswolds.
The trio’s plans for the pub are to have an all-day bar menu and a la carte menu, offering pub classics done to a high standard using local produce wherever possible.
The new tenants say all dishes, including bread, will be made from scratch with “rosette-standard pastry chefs producing desserts and cakes for afternoon tea”.
Drinks will include cask ale, premium lagers, cider and spirits as well as an extensive wine list.
If there’s sufficient demand, the licensees will look to introduce cocktails further down the line.
Planned events at the pub will feature guest speakers and include wine and cheese nights, gin evenings and whiskey tasting sessions.
Lisa said: “All three of us are in love with Reeth. It’s a gorgeous village in a stunning location. We can’t wait to participate in village life and bring The King’s Arms back to life for villagers, dog walkers, cyclists and visitors to the area.
“The King’s Arms is equally as lovely as its setting. We knew the moment we crossed the threshold that we wanted to run it. We’re looking forward to offering exceptional food and want it to scream Yorkshire, which has some fantastic produce.”
Star Pubs investment manager, Andy Moore added: “We’re delighted to be investing in the reopening of the King’s Arms and that Lisa, Billy and David have taken on the lease for it.
“They have all the skills needed to make a success of the pub and a real passion for North Yorkshire. As well as being a great local, their food plans will ensure it’s a destination food pub for the wider area. I wish them well.”
