See inside revamped Imperial pub and restaurant in Stanley
The Imperial, in Stanley, opened on Saturday, February 28, following a refurbishment. The bar and restaurant was due to have its grand reopening last month but poor weather disrupted it by delaying exterior renovation work.
Pictures of The Imperial show the impressive new bar and restaurant area, complete with a statue of Elvis Presley.
There is also a snooker and darts room, with murals of Ronnie O’Sullivan and Luke Littler adorning the walls.
The outside has also been renovated and given a fresh lick of paint.
The Grade II listed building on the town’s Front Street, was bought by William and Catherine Bartle in June after they read about the venue being put on the market in The Northern Echo back in April.
Stanley Front Street hit the headlines last year after the town was labelled one of the ‘ugliest’ in the country by a national newspaper, prompting a mixed response from locals.
Mr Bartle previously said he hoped he could revitalise the area with an ‘exciting’ mix of traditional and modern pub offerings.
“I’ve never owned a pub before,” Mr Bartle, 44, said.
“But the building is beautiful, it is what Stanley needs. There are no real pubs in the centre of the town.”
The bar did have to delay its grand reopening last month, with a spokesperson saying: “Unfortunately, weβve had to pull the opening date back through no fault of our own.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances and weather, unfortunately not being on our side regarding outside work, we canβt open on January 31.
“We are absolutely gutted, but at least everything will be done right the first time.
“One job led to another, and it hasnβt been an easy few months, believe me.”
But earlier this month, an opening date was announced for the bar.
In a statement on social media, the owners said: “We have an opening date! Officially this time!
“After all the hard work from everyone to get this pub up and running, facing many hurdles, itβs officially opening day!
“Save the date – Saturday February 28. We have plenty of choice to try and are very excited to open our doors.
“From us and our staff here at the Imperial, thanks so much for the ongoing encouragement and hoping to see you all there to support us!”
Will you be visiting The Imperial in Stanley any time soon?