An historic Wiltshire hotel has officially reopened after a £2m refurbishment.

The George Hotel in Amesbury was originally built in the 13th Century and rebuilt around 1560 and had been closed for six months. 

Now it has a new coffee shop, opening directly onto the High Street, plus a new restaurant. The hotel also has brand-new lounges, bars and thirty-one stylishly refurbished bedrooms.

The property, one of the most historic and picturesque hostelries in Wiltshire and close to Stonehenge, has been acquired by the Coaching Inn Group, which already operates 32 other hotels and inns in market towns across the country.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Farmer Richard Cook with his wife SueFarmer Richard Cook with his wife Sue (Image: Coaching Inn Group)

Mayor of Amesbury, Councillor Monica Devendran, cut the ribbon to officially open the venue, while local farmer, Richard Crook, who celebrated his 21st birthday at the hotel sixty years ago this month, pulled the first pint.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Charity, said "We’ve become a very people focussed business over the past four years, just constantly refining our Hospitality from the Heart culture.

"We’re focussed on looking at what we can do better and how we as a management team can serve our people – that's been the key." 

The refurbishment has also created forty new management and team member jobs at the hotel.