The historic Bull Inn in Halstead has reopened following a three week refurbishment project.

The six-figure investment by Old English Inns, part of Bury St Edmunds-based pubs and brewing group Greene King, has seen the all areas of the hotel upgraded, including its two function rooms, its bar and restaurant and all 16 bedrooms.

To respect the character of the historic building the lay-out has remained unchanged with focus instead being on a substantial upgrade to of the toilet facilities, new décor throughout and the addition of new comfortable furnishings including fixed seating.

The entrance has been remodeled, however, to welcome customers in through a new front-facing door.

The exterior of the building, the foundations of which date from the 14th Century, has also been completely redecorated and the external dining area in the hotel garden had been improved, including the addition of a new pathway.

The work had been overseen by the Bull’s new manager, Richard Danylak, who started just before Christmas having previously managed another Old English Inns property.

He said: “When I first arrived in Halstead, the Bull was pretty much the first thing I noticed as it has such an impact on the landscape of the town.

“I was even more surprised when I discovered it had such a fantastic garden out the back, a real hidden treasure. With all the improvements that have been made, it has been transformed into a lovely warm environment and the kind of attractive bar, restaurant and hotel that anyone living locally would be very proud of.”

Mr Danylak added: “We hope that now it has undergone such a dramatic make-over, the Bull will become a sought-after venue locally, particularly when people learn how reasonable our event and wedding packages are.”

Part of the changes includes the introduction of a carvery on Sundays, which will be available throughout the day from 11.30am.

Peter Hebblethwaite, business unit director for Old English Inns, said: “This is an important investment for us, which we are confident will be welcomed by the whole community and by visitors to area.

“We have spent a six figure sum but the investment stretches much further than the building’s refurbishment, including more choice at the bar, improved training for the team, new services for guests using the bedrooms and improved facilities and support for events and functions.

“All of these changes have been made to ensure that the Bull offers customers the best value, service and quality they expect from Old English Inns.”