THE general manager of the oldest hotel in England is delighted with the recent restoration work which has given it a new lease of life.

Christophe Dumeige, former food and beverage manager at Manor House Hotel near Castle Combe took over The Old Bell in Malmesbury in 2012 and closed it on January 2 for the refurbishment to begin.

The Grade I listed building reopened this month, and Mr Dumiege has been proudly showing off the changes to visitors and locals.

He said: “The inside was out of date, and it was a decision we took to lift up the whole hotel.

“Work involved the refurbishment of the kitchen, the restaurant and bar with new furniture, the reception and all nineteen bedrooms.

Mr Dumeige has hired a new head chef, Frederic Fetiveau, who has brought a new menu to the hotel.

“Customers absolutely love the new look,” Mr Dumeige added. “I am very proud of it, we all are.”

To find out more about The Old Bell and what is has to offer, please visit: https://www.oldbellhotel.co.uk/.