AN historic Hexham hotel has reopened after a major refurbishment.

Admiral Taverns, owner of Coach and Horses Public House, organised an official opening on November 25 following the upgrade

The event brought together key partners who were involved in the scheme to sympathetically restore the historic public house on Priestpopple in the town’s Conservation Area.

The Coach and Horses was awarded £240,000 by Northumberland County Council and Historic England through the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ).

The aim of the HSHAZ scheme is to revitalise the town’s historic centre making it a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work, invest and visit.

Northumberland County Councillor, Richard Wearmouth who sits on the Hexham HSHAZ steering group, said:  “The Coach and Horses dates back to the early 1800s and has been a key building in the town over the generations.

“This scheme has carefully restored the Inn, taking care to preserve its historic features while appreciating its need to be a modern and thriving business. 

"There were many people involved – architects, builders, funders and historic experts. This event was held to acknowledge and say thank you for their contribution to the success of this scheme which has secured the future of the Inn within the heart of the town for many years to come.” 

Present at the event were representatives from Historic England, Northumberland County Council, the HSHAZ Steering Group and local MP Guy Opperman.

Mike Collins, from Historic England, said: “The Coach and Horses is a landmark building at the east end of Priestpopple, one of Hexham’s most historic streets.  Sadly, this historic pub was empty and unused for several years, so we’re excited that we’ve been able to work with Admiral Taverns and Northumberland County Council to breathe new life into it. 

“The reopening of this historic building through the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme is a great example of public and private sector working positively together.”

Admiral Taverns’ Chief Executive, Chris Jowsey, added: “At Admiral we take great pride in running sustainable pubs and make it our priority to invest where we can across our estate of almost 1,600 pubs to ensure they can thrive."

MP Guy Opperman also added: “Thank you to all the partners who came together to make this project happen.

"The £2 million Hexham High Street Heritage Action Zone that we campaigned for will help revitalise Hexham’s high street."