FOLLOWING an extensive three-month refurbishment, The Castle Inn, a traditional thatched pub near Lulworth Cove, is due to re-open its doors on Wednesday, March 28 in time for Easter.

This historic 16th century pub is just a short walk from some of Dorset’s key landmarks, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door situated on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site and surrounded by the Isle of Purbeck countryside.

The Castle Inn was acquired in autumn 2017 by Bristol-based Butcombe Brewery – part of the Liberation Group of pubs and inns.

Jayson Perfect, managing director at Butcombe Pubs and Inns, said: “The Castle Inn is an incredibly special property close to the hearts of locals and the frequent visitors to this beautiful corner of Dorset’s coastline, so we knew that the renovation had to preserve the distinct character of the property and do its heritage justice.

“We can’t wait to open its doors and show everyone exactly what we’ve been working so hard to create.”

Interiors have been designed to, “reflect the type of laid-back luxury synonymous with Butcombe Brewery’s existing property portfolio”.

The Castle Inn’s history has been retained wherever possible, with tasteful nods to the building’s traditional architecture and original design elements evident throughout the bar, extended dining room and bedrooms, brought to life with bright, contemporary fabrics and eye-catching feature walls.

The hotel will open with 12 bedrooms, each boasting an “individual design filled with quirky, unique furnishings that hark to the hotel’s beautiful coastal location, tied expertly together with plush bedding and sleek en-suite bathrooms to give each a distinctly boutique feel”.

Taking care of food at the new-look Castle Inn will be head chef, Ashley Walcott, who has worked at the celebrated Fat Duck in Bray under Heston Blumenthal.

The restaurant will boast a daily-changing market menu with grill and seafood as its centrepiece, showcasing a host of delicious Dorset produce sourced from within 30 miles of the restaurant.

David Putt, the new general manager also brings with him a wealth of F&B rosette experience with a career background in boutique hotels with luxury Von Essen & Radisson Hotels. Prices from £89 per room per night B&B. Dog-friendly.