Malmesbury's The Old Bell is open again after being extensively refurbished by it's new Texan owners.

The Grade 1 listed hotel, Malmesbury has a new restaurant and cocktail bar. The Old Bell is rumoured to be England’s oldest hotel.

A Texan couple Kim and Whit Hanks also agreed to buy the neighbouring Abbey House Gardens, once home to the Naked Gardeners and famed for its clothes optional days.

The founders of Whim Hospitality, Camp Lucy and Tillie’s Restaurant in Dripping Springs, Texas say they are "exceptionally thrilled" to take on the sites.

They are regular visitors to the town which has been the Hanks family ancestral home since before 1500.

"Guests can expect high end design interiors, superior service, and wonderful Texas Southern Hospitality," they said.

"We have redecorated the ground floor of the hotel. The restaurant has been named, ‘Saints and Sinners’, in honour of the stunning 12th century Malmesbury Abbey right next door.

"The Bar has been renamed The 1220 Bar in honour of The Old Bell owning the oldest known fireplace which was built in that year. Our redecorated lounges next to the bar have seating for drinks, coffees, cream tea, lounge menu and even dinner if you fancy. All the spaces are decorated with antiques and fun finds from Whit’s 35+ years as an antiques dealer.

"We hope you find something new every time you come to visit. Throughout the rest of this year, we will introduce all new dining and lounging furniture on the ground floor and in our outside garden spaces. So that means we aren’t finished decorating yet. It’s only going to keep looking better each time."

“We are so looking forward to being part of this town. We appreciate what a friendly reception we received once the news came out of our purchase. We’re so excited to be spending our lives with you!"