THE Star Inn at Weaverthorpe, near Malton, is about to reopen under new owners.

The pub, which has long been a favourite with the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Good Pub Food publication, had received repeated praise for its hospitality and quality of service before its closure in April last year.

Now the pub is set for a grand reopening after the freehold was sold to experienced operators Eddie Hall and Benjamin Micallef, from Whitby.

Mr Hall said: "We want to give the best service we can, and we'll do it by serving traditional pub food as well as seasonal specials.

"We are enthusiastic about using local food from sustainable sources. We make our own breads and ice-creams and, instead of having battered cod on the menu, we'll have fish from Whitby that is in season."

The attractive 200-year-old property is set at the heart of Weaverthorpe. It includes en-suite accommodation, lounge bar, a games room, and a large beer garden.

Much of the produce used in the restaurant is locally caught or sourced, and it has guest ales to accompany its regular cask ales.

Mr Hall said he and his business partner were working hard at redecorating and refurbishing the Star Inn to put their own stamp on it while keeping it traditional. They have added new furnishings and painted the building, both inside and out.

The reopening of the Star Inn is due to take place within the next two weeks.

Jon Booth, of Christie and Co, who negotiated the sale, said: "We marketed the Star Inn as a closed unit but the business had formerly traded successfully as a traditional country inn attracting a local trade boosted by tourism to the Yorkshire Wolds. It had received national acclaim."