The White Bear in Bedale has reopened following a £150,000 refurbishment.
Together with owner Admiral Taverns, licensee Michelle Jones, has worked hard to breathe a new lease of life into the pub.
Michelle was born in Glasgow and moved to Catterick aged six when her dad was posted to the military base.
She and husband Pete were married in 1984 whilst he was serving in the Second Battalion of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (2RRF).
They have two children aged 37 and 32 and 7 grandchildren.
The pair took on the White Bear in 2017 and worked to build the business up until Covid hit two years later.
Michelle said: “Covid was a real struggle, but we were really determined to overcome the obstacles as the pub is our passion and our goal has always been to serve locals, tourists, families and their pets.”
The pub now features five new letting rooms – two king-sized rooms, two queen-sized rooms, and one single room.
It may have seemed strange to some that the White Bear logo was a sailing ship rather than a bear but the White Bear was a 40-gun ship of the English Tudor Navy launched in 1563 so Pete and Michelle have named their five rooms the HMS White Bear, HMS Britannia, HMS Mayflower, HMS Neptune and HMS Victory.
The pub’s exterior has been painted.
Michelle said: “It is such an honour to be a part of the Bedale community.
“I know how much this pub means to locals and I am delighted we can now host friends and families visiting our local champions.
“Having lived in the area for the last 12 years, The White Bear holds a very special place in my heart, and I am excited to reunite everyone with their much-adored local pub – and now they can sleepover.”
Regular entertainment including quizzes and live music evenings.
The White Bear also hosts the Bedale Acoustic Music Club, RAF local association and Royal British Legion meetings as well as pool, darts and domino teams and a Sunday morning football team.
Pete said: “The success of our community pub is down to ‘Team Bear,’ otherwise known as our wonderful members of staff who are so loyal and professional.
“None of this could be possible without their support and we were delighted that the town mayor, Mandi Coates was able to attend the opening.”
Andy Longley, business development manager at Admiral Taverns said: “Michelle brings a wealth of experience and charisma, having worked at the White Bear for six years.
“A popular local figure and experienced licensee, she holds strong relationships with the Bedale residents and it was fantastic to see this reflected in the success of the opening night.
“I’m confident that the White Bear will remain a hub of the Bedale community for many years to come and wish Michelle every success for the future.”
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