An historic Kirkby Stephen pub is set to reopen next month after a £350,000 to £380,000 makeover.
Bobby Mills, 61, and his 28-year-old stepson Michael Crane, who both hail from the North East, have formed a management partnership to run the Black Bull Hotel, in Market Street, for Punch Taverns, who own the building which has nine rooms for guests.
The pub, which was previously split into two sections with a separate restaurant area, now has an open plan design with 13 tables.
A warm welcome is promised to all, including walkers and their dogs, with Kirkby Stephen being a popular stop off for many going coast-to-coast.
“We are keeping the open fire and some of the original features, including the tiling which was found when they lifted the floor,” said Michael.
Additions include a new outside area, complete with tables and chairs around the side and in the garden, plus a new darts area and brand new disabled toilet. There will also be dominoes, books to read, and games like Jenga available.
About 10 jobs are to be created by the pub reopening, which include bar staff, cooks, chefs, and housekeepers, and it is hoped the Black Bull will be up and running by December 1, if not a couple of days before. It is also set to be open on Christmas Day.
“It will thrive off its locals will this pub,” said Michael, who took over the Fox Inn at Guisborough at the age of 21, when he became one of the youngest landlords in Britain and was featured on the Channel 4 television programme Four in a Bed.
Prior to that, from the age of 17, he had been manager of the Central in Middlesbrough.
Bobby, who is married to Carol, is a scaffolder by trade. He was involved in supervising sites, but he has now called it a day in the construction industry and is looking forward to getting involved in the hospitality sector.
“I packed it all in at the beginning of this year and I was going to call it a day altogether until Michael talked me into doing this,” said Bobby with a smile.
“The regulars, for me, are going to be the people that make the pub. We want it full every day,” said Bobby. “The menu is lovely,” he added.
