ONE of Kendal's premier country pubs has re-opened following a near half-million pound refurbishment.

Mayor of Kendal Cllr Tom Clare officially declared the revamped Gateway Inn open for business in a ribbon cutting ceremony after a £450,000 investment which has seen the inn closed since November.

The development of the Crook Road hostelry was jointly-funded by leading Lancashire brewer Daniel Thwaites and licensees Garry Smith and John Welch.

Garry said: “We’re ecstatic to finally be able to welcome the general public through the doors and are confident that The Gateway Inn offers the very best food, drink and accommodation in the area. I really hope people will come and see what we have to offer; a warm, friendly welcome, pub fayre of the highest quality and luxurious, traditional accommodation.

"The level of detail that has gone into the development has been unbelievable."

The extensive renovation works have resulted in the addition of eight new bedrooms, offering full hotel accommodation, as well as plush new bar and dining areas in the pub. Seven new jobs have been created, including the appointment of Eddie Wilkinson – a highly experienced head chef who boasts over 25 years of haute-cuisine experience.

Cllr Clare said: “It’s fantastic to see an investment of this scale in Kendal. Not only has The Gateway created a raft of new jobs for people in the area, but locals and tourists alike will flock to the pub to enjoy its hospitality.”

Andrew Buchanan, director of pub operations for Thwaites, added: “I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to the team. The Gateway Inn looks simply stunning and is surely set to become a jewel in Kendal’s hospitality crown.

"It is a really good blend of contemporary design but still retains all the character you would expect from a traditional Lake District inn."