Historic pub in Hexham to be restored after securing a grant

An historic pub in Hexham is to be restored, after securing a grant as part of a wider scheme to revitalise the Northumberland town's historic centre.

The Coach and Horses Public House in Priestpopple, located in the town's conversation area, has been awarded £240,000 by Northumberland County Council and Historic England through the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme.

The scheme, part of a £95m government-funded programme led by Historic England, plans to create a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work, invest and visit.

Owner Admiral Taverns is also investing £460,000 into the restoration of the Coach and Horses, marking one of the largest combined investments across its estate of nearly 1,600 pubs.

Admiral Taverns' business development manager Stephen Birkett said: "Creating long-term, sustainable pub businesses is a core part of what we do, and we're delighted with the investment in the Coach and Horses, alongside Northumberland County Council and Historic England.

"It's a brilliant local pub which has a lot of potential to give back to its community, as well as a passionate licensee in place to drive the business forwards."

The funding will be used to restore and upgrade the front of the pub with works including the removal of the fake Tudor batons and new signage, lighting and doorway.

The two sides of the building will be linked together to bring the pub back into use as a family friendly dining space, and the first floor will be refurbished to create letting bedrooms.

The beer garden will also undergo refurbishment.

Planning permission has been granted for the scheme and work is expected to commence later in the month.

Northumberland County councillor Wojciech Ploszaj, cabinet member for business, said: "The Coach and Horses dates back to the early 1800s. It is an old coaching inn with a central coach arch and coach house to the rear of the premises, so it is a building of considerable historic interest.

"Not only is this project helping to improve the look of a building in a busy area of the town but it is also preserving and restoring some of Hexham's important historical features and unique character for future generations to come."