AFTER months of set-backs, leaks and a quarter of a million pound refurbishment, landlords Anna and Joel Lear were finally able to officially open the doors to one of Calne's most iconic buildings last week.

The Lansdowne Strand, which was bought by Arkell's Brewery back in 2007, has faced significant hurdles over the last 18 months but visitors to the opening on Thursday, February 9, were greeted with a stunning transformation which brought the 26-bedroom hotel back into the 21st century.

"It is an incredible building and it is nice to see it not looking sad," Mrs Lear said. "What has been really nice is that people keep saying: this is what Calne needed. People have been working really hard here to make Calne a nice place to live, so this has definitely given them a boost."

Focusing on Calne's heritage and history of pork curing, Mr Lear has been busy designing menus reflecting the best of Calne, sourcing produce from a 20 mile radius of the hotel and making the food from scratch on site.

"Calne heritage is incredibly important to the town and we have tried to reflect that in our menus and allow it to resonate through," he said. "It is a relief to see everything finished now though but I think it has worked out and the response has been great. It is now a place where people can walk down to and enjoy good, quality food."

Originally in a state of disrepair, the Grade II listed building named in honour of the Third Marquis of Landsdowne, has now returned to its former glory and managing director George Arkell hopes that it can become the beating heart of the community.

He said: "We have taken so much pleasure in sensitively refurbishing the Landsdowne Strand Hotel to a very high standard of interiors alongside experienced landlords Anna and Joel.

"The aim was to turn it into the heart of the community and to make it into a building for everyone to use, whether it is coming in for coffees, food or staying for the night. A place where everyone is welcome."

After unveiling the plaque and pulling the first pint from the newly renovated bar Mayor councillor Tom Rounds added: "I have to say the word on the street is out. People are raving about the meals here and the decor is fantastic. It is an investment in Calne and it shows the confidence that the brewery have in Calne too.

"I am sure the pub will entice a lot of people from the town and further afield."