Thwaites opens first Inn of Character
The first of a new brand of pubs with rooms developed by brewer and retailer Thwaites has opened for business.
The concept, Inns of Character, is part of a move by the Blackburn-based company to create an estate of 25 inns by 2016.
Last week, the Lion in Settle, North Yorkshire was officially opened after a £400,000 refurbishment.
The 14-bedroom inn will be managed by Shire Hotels, under a joint venture agreement. The philosophy behind the Inns of Character concept is based on offering comfortable accommodation in traditional coaching inn-style coupled with a seasonal menu featuring local produce and suppliers.
"Thwaites has enjoyed a long connection with Settle and the Lion will be the first of many new ventures for us up and down the country," said Antony Spencer, managing director of Shire Hotels.
