A PUB near Pickering has reopened its doors following a two-month closure for a £154,000 refurbishment.

The Black Bull, a 17th century coaching inn situated on the A169, has new furnishings and fittings throughout, including new fixed seating, armchairs, carpets and curtains.

“A new-look feature fireplace complements the décor, while the kitchen has been upgraded to improve food service,”said a spokesman for owners Punch Taverns.

“The accommodation wing has also been improved, bringing hotel chic to the five overnight rooms and adding an attractive wooden canopy with planting to the front of the building.”

Publican Wayne Lerigo and his partner Simone, who took on The Black Bull last April, after managing pubs and carveries for big chain owners such as Whitbread and Mitchells & Butlers for about 20 years, said he had been keen to run his own place again.