A PUB in the historic heart of an Eden town has re-opened following a £200k refurbishment.

The Crown and Cushion was closed for five weeks whilst Robinsons Brewery carried out the work as part of a joint investment with licensees Janice MacRae, Lee Turnbull and Lewis MacRae.

The pub has been dramatically restructured, with walls removed and floor levels altered to improve the customer journey, and to offer direct vision to the striking new bar.

A new door has also been built from the entrance lobby directly into the side room which now operates during the daytime as the 'Appleby Tearooms'.

Licensee Janice MacRae said: “The Crown and Cushion now gives Appleby town centre a superbly refurbished pub, offering high quality British home cooked food all day every day, a great selection of cask ales, along with brand leading craft lagers and ciders. T

"The new Crown and Cushion now incorporates Appleby Tea Room - the town’s first premier tea room with a selection of premium loose-leaf teas, homemade scones, cakes and main meals.

"The pub offers three super fully refurbished en-suite pub bedrooms and the whole area itself has been transformed into a relaxed, stylish pub. Our first few weeks of trading were outstanding in all areas and the refurbishment has been welcomed by the whole town.”

Simon Taylor, Business Development Manager at Robinsons Brewery, said: “The Crown and Cushion is a fantastic community local that has been transformed.

"Robinsons are passionate about investing into our pubs to continue to offer customers a comfortable place to relax and dine. This pub has always been popular amongst its locals and will hopefully attract some new customers too.”