Owners of a newly refurbished pub are 'thrilled' to be opening after two years since buying it.

John Gray and his partner Nicole, bought The Crown Inn, in Catton, in October 29 2020 and after disagreements with locals, waiting for planning permission and everything in between, they are pleased to announce the opening on Saturday, June 25.

"We are thrilled to have finally made it," John said.

"Once we set a date to open and knew when our beer delivery was, it was all hands on deck.

"We have been putting long hours in to making the place perfect for the opening night.

"We know the first night wont be perfect, so I will have a big book and write a list of everything we missed.

"But we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the pub and see our hardwork."

Hexham Courant:

As well as the bar, John and Nicole have bigger plans for the building.

John adds:"The main focus for the first few weeks will be the bar, and make sure that is 100% ok. 

"Then we will focus on serving food and then Nicole's pediatry business and the B&B will be open in July.

"Once we have found our footing, we will be looking for staff.

"We think we can create up to five to six job positions for local people.

"So we can keep giving back to the community."

Hexham Courant:

The pair are very excited to show off the £150,000 makeover of the pub and add another pub where locals can go.

John said:"There aren't many pubs in our area, so we are really glad that we can add The Crown Inn back on the list.

"In the upcoming months we hope to bring back pub quizes, coffee mornings and books clubs."

Hexham Courant:

One of the main supporters of the business is Hexham Mayor, Derek Kennedy who said: "This is a very popular pub and I am delighted to learn of its reopening, it provides a sense of community for the people of this sparcely populated area.

"I do hope it can remain sustainable for the future."

Hexham Courant: