An historic Northallerton pub has reopened after a £2.6m refurbishment.
Richmond MP Rishi Sunak was joined by the Yorkshire Vet Peter Wright and the mayor of Northallerton to formally open The Buck Inn.
Mr Sunak helped staff serve drinks and breakfasts to customers as the pub, owned by JD Wetherspoon, reopened its doors yesterday.
Pub bosses say the reopening will create 70 jobs.
He said: “I very much welcome this significant investment in our High Street and the creation of these new job opportunities.ighHigh
“The refurbishment has been carried out to a very high standard and it is good see the pub’s history recognised through the retention of its traditional name and the celebration of that history in the décor and wall displays.”
The Buck Inn is listed in a Northallerton trade directory of 1893 and is one of a row of historic properties at the north end of the High Street, close to the Grade I-listed parish church.
Historical photos and details of local history, as well as artwork and images of local scenes and characters of the area, are displayed in the pub, together with information boards relating to past events.
Local author Dr David Severs helped with images and information relating to the history of clock-making in Northallerton.
Commissioned artwork by local artist Katie Eleanor Murphy, together with a photograph of The Buck Inn 1947/48 darts team, discovered under a seat in the old pub, are on display.
Bespoke carpets, individually designed for the pub, have been inspired by the history of the building and the pub name, with the head of a buck deer and leaves of the forest added to a traditional Turkish-style pattern.
Among the customers Mr Sunak met was Mike Webb, of Romanby, who used to live in The Buck Inn many years ago when Jim Timmons was landlord.
After being served his full English by Mr Sunak, Mr Webb said: “It is good to see the place open again. I have many happy memories of The Buck.”
Mr Sunak also served a drink to Ken Johnson who had travelled from his home in Guisborough to attend the opening – one of hundreds of Wetherspoons openings he has attended around the country.
The refurbished pub features one bar, as well as a large rear extension with enclosed beer garden to the back of the premises.
Manager Chris Allen said: “The team and I were thrilled to have our special guests here today and to finally welcome customers into the pub. We are confident The Buck Inn will be a great addition to the Northallerton community.”
Be the first to comment