A PUB chain is to open its 800th outlet, at a revamped North Yorkshire hotel.

JD Wetherspoon has spent £2.1 million developing The Unicorn Hotel in Ripon in a move which will create 50 jobs. It will open on Tuesday.

The company’s chairman, Tim Martin, who opened its first pub in Muswell Hill, London, 32 years ago, said it was looking to double the number of outlets it operates to 1,600 over the coming years and create a further 30,000 roles.

“The 800th pub opening is a wonderful milestone for the company and we are now looking forward to opening hundreds of new pubs,” he said.

“Our existing pubs are extremely popular and we wish to build on that success. The new openings will result in new job opportunities and that is something I am sure will be especially welcome.”