A historic 16th century village pub that has been saved by its local community is hiring new staff ahead of plans to open in January.

The new tenants of Hop Pole at Limpley Stoke are expected to offer several positions in the kitchen and behind the bar as they gear up to reopen in the new year.

Simon Coombe, chair of the Limpley Stoke Community Benefit Society, said: “It has been an incredible journey from start to finish.

“It is really exciting and we are looking forward to getting in there and buying the first pint.”

The society bought the pub to save it from being converted into residential accommodation and has since completely renovated the building.

Contractors are putting the finishing touches to their restoration work ahead of handing the pub over to the new tenants in December.

Mr Coombe added: “Things are progressing rapidly on site at the Hop Pole Inn and the new landlords are eagerly starting to build their new team.

The Hop Pole Inn at Limpley Stoke pictured in July 2022.The Hop Pole Inn at Limpley Stoke pictured in July 2022. (Image: John Baker)

“They are recruiting for numerous positions, in both the kitchen and front of house.

“If real ales, cracking British dishes using produce from local farms and great wines are things that excite you, then they would love to hear from you.

“Skills can be taught - an eagerness to learn, a love for hospitality and a big smile is all they ask for. Competitive rates of pay and staff meals will be provided.”

The new tenants have been in contact with Bath College and it is likely that some of the positions will be for apprentices who wish to launch their career in the hospitality sector.

Mr Coombe and his team of volunteers have raised just under £1.2 million to breathe new life into the Grade II listed pub.

More than 650 investors have brought a slice of the local through two community share issues.

The society now only needs a further £5,000 to £10,000 to reach its target before closing the second share issue at the end of the year.

The not-for-profit community organisation has also received a variety of grants to help restore the pub.

These include £300,000 from the government’s Community Ownership Fund and £10,000 apiece from the National Lottery and the Swindon-based Hills Group Ltd.

The Hills funds came via the Landfill Communities Fund which is administered by Community First, the Rural Community Council for Wiltshire.