AN HISTORIC Bicester hotel and restaurant has reopened after a £900,000 makeover.

The King’s Arms in Market Square had been closed for almost a year.

But the former coaching inn has been transformed following a joint-investment by Spirit Leased Pubs company and licensees Chris Lyons and Aiden Conway to restore the building.

Owner Mr Conway said: “The King’s Arms had fallen into decline over the years.

“We felt that architecturally it had been let go and needed to be brought back to the way it should be.

“We contacted the local council for an idea about what it used to look like, so we could restore it to its former glory.”

The partnership started work on the pub in October last year, about six months after it initially closed.

The overhaul has seen the hotel and restaurant reopen with a new look, inside and out.

General manager Andrei Naivelt said: “It is amazing what has been done within five months of restoration, so much was achieved.

“There are 16 bedrooms , which have been fully renovated, the function room and the 88-seat restaurant.

“It has been a complete overhaul - new wood panels, tables, furniture, carpets and kitchen equipment.

“Everything has become much more cosy.

“There are still minor projects in place, as we were granted permission to build a bakery across the courtyard and we are extending the terrace area.”

The inn dates back to the early 1700s, according to the Bicester Local History Society. It is mentioned in directories from the 1830s alongside the Nag’s Head, a neighbouring pub at the time, as a stage-coach centre.

Oxfordshire County Court used to meet in the pub until the Court House was built in 1864.

In 1911 Halls Brewery bought the premises for £2,325 at auction.

In the 1920s the Nag’s Head closed its doors and was used as a garage until it was turned into the hotel accommodation seen today at The King’s Arms.

Mr Naivelt added: “The locals who have lived in Bicester for many years have said they are astonished and have been caught off-guard by the changes.

“We have a new head chef from a strong background and high-profile places. Everyone has been praising the food.

“It is important for me and my team to keep improving the service.”

Spirit Leased Pubs managing director Chris Welham said: “The end result of the transformation at The King’s Arms is a magnificent venue that the licensees and locals can be proud of. I am confident that it will be competing for awards in the very near future.”