A DEAL worth £110,000 has been struck by hotelier Peter Kirby to take over the lease of The Falcon Inn and restaurant, which for more than 200 years has been the landmark watering hole for travellers between Scarborough and Whitby.

Mr Kirby, former managing director of the Ambassador Hotel, in Scarborough, will now run the country inn on the Whitby Road with his partner, Debra Emmerson, and a team of 15 staff, including local chef James Backhouse.

The commercial property team of York-based lawyers Harrowell Shaftoe advised on the lease transfer from former landlord David Kemp and his wife, Wendy. Yorkshire Bank provided the finance. Now a revamp to its restaurant and function room, are planned. The inn has already been given extended opening hours, an expanded menu, including Yorkshire fare, and a greater range of traditional cask ales.

Mr Kirby said: "This is a great country inn with lots of history and we are very excited to be here.

"Our aim is to provide great food and a wide range of ales in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, giving Scarborough a new top-class eating and function venue as well as a place for local people to come and relax."

Martin Thorpe, partner at Harrowell, said: "It is great to see a landmark pub like this being brought back to life."