‘Historic’ Northumberland pub reopens after four years following restoration

A historic Northumberland pub that once hosted Bonnie Prince Charlie has reopened its doors four years after they closed.

The Highlander - Ponteland has been carefully restored after it was bought by the company behind two major wedding venues in the county.

Plans to reopen the 18th century coaching inn, near Belsay, were revealed more than a year ago by Unveiled Venues. The company runs award-winning Ellingham Hall and newly launched Lemmington Hall, which are exclusive-use luxurious wedding venues.

While The Highlander - Ponteland is the company’s first pub investment, its experience in developing heritage venues will help them make it a success.

Unveiled Venues’ group director, Anthony Hunter, commented: “The building is Grade II listed and steeped in history. It dates back to the early 1700s and its doors closed in 2018. We have been keen on opening an additional site that reflects our wedding venues for some time, and The Highlander – Ponteland fits perfectly with our brand.

“We want to give a wider audience the chance to experience the same levels of service and quality our wedding couples and guests have enjoyed over the last 17 years, at our exclusive-use venues.”

Anthony said that the team had leaned heavily on its experience in renovating and sympathetically updating heritage buildings interwoven with a ‘modern-day luxury’. The company and its directors are excited about the new venture and are looking forward to the once-renowned pub being put back on the map.

General manager, Michael Patterson added: “The Highlander was a well-known Northumberland pub with a fascinating history until it sadly closed. It is wonderful news that the community will be regaining this asset and our team, and I look forward to welcoming our guests when we open our doors on Thursday 14 September.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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