AFTER five weeks' work costing more than £100,000, a pub near Darlington is ready to re-open on Friday.
The Oak Tree Inn, in Middleton St George, has undergone a complete refurbishment, and now has a modern kitchen, stylish bar and comfortable restaurant.
Landlord Brian Faloona shut the pub on May 4, five days after taking over, to allow builders to get to work.
Now the project, funded by Mr Faloona and Punch breweries, is complete.
Refitting the ground floor cost £100,000, with work also done on the upstairs living quarters.
Mr Faloona has kept on the original chef, but has also taken on a second French chef.
"When my wife, Susan, and I first walked in here it was a mismatch of little rooms," he said.
"It has been completely transformed into half a restaurant and half a bar-lounge.
"We think our customers will like it."
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