Pub owners will create 15 jobs

A village pub near Telford is set to reopen and create 15 jobs following a £100,000 transformation.

The Gate Inn at Bratton, which closed last June, has been bought by residents Yvonne Young and Nigel Wainwright and stripped back to its former glory in time for its opening on Friday.

The Ironbridge Brewery has also created special beer - Golden Gate - to mark the pub's reopening, which will be on sale at £2.50 per pint.

The facelift means the pub can serve up to 50 diners and the whole building has been refurbished to include a new kitchen, bar and dining room.

The couple have uncovered an inglenook fireplace, authentic beams and oak flooring during the refurbishment, which have set the tone for the new-look pub.

Mrs Young, who used to work as cabin crew for British Airways, said she decided to take over the pub despite the current economic downturn after negotiating the freehold, which means she would not be tied to a brewery.

"Living in Bratton, it's the nearest pub in walking distance and we had always said it could be a great little business," she said.

"We are aware that the credit crunch is having an affect on pubs but as a freehold we will be able to provide better value for money."

She added: "The Silkin Way ends here and we hope walkers will come in and have a drink. We've got ramblers on board and cyclists meeting here every week. It will be very relaxed and provide great value for money food."

The jobs include six workers in the kitchen, three full-time bar staff and six other part-time roles.