AN EXPECTANT queue waited outside for the doors of the The Devonshire at Grassington to open to reveal its complete transformation last week.

The hotel, which closed its doors unexpectedly in July, was subsequently purchased by Keighley-based Timothy Taylor’s and has undergone a full renovation at the hands of Keighley-based contractors RN Wooler.

Neil Pickles, who runs Pickles Pubs and has taken on the tenancy of the Devonshire, said: "It is wonderful to welcome guests from Grassington and the surrounding area to see for themselves the stunning transformation that has taken place. People were enthusiastic in their praise."

The pub, which was fully booked on Saturday for the Dickensian weekend, has eight bedrooms, an extensive range of Timothy Taylor’s ales and a menu using locally-sourced produce. Dogs are welcome in the bar area and some of the bedrooms.

Timothy Taylor’s now owns 19 pubs and chief executive, Tim Dewey, said: "We are delighted to have taken ownership of The Devonshire and have invested heavily to restore the hotel back to its former glory. Grassington is such a vibrant community and we look forward to welcoming both locals and tourists to sample our famous Taylor’s hospitality."