ONE of Wiltshire's best known hotels, The Bear in Devizes Market Place, is to undergo a complete refurbishment, but new licensees Andrew and Angela MacLachlan have promised there will be no piped music.

Mrs MacLachlan said: "Some customers without preamble said, 'You're not going to have piped music, are you?'"

Music is certainly not high on the list of priorities for the couple, who came to The Bear from the Bell Hotel at Faringdon last November.

They have already made some changes including refitting toilets and modernising the kitchens.

Together with Wadworth, they are now embarking on a number of more high-profile improvements, but say there will be no major change of image or style.

Before working in Faringdon the MacLachlans spent eight years teaching catering in Malta.

They were approached by Wadworth last year to take over the Bear following the retirement of Keith Dickenson after 40 years. He was only the second licensee of the hotel since the Second World War.

Mr MacLachlan said: "We didn't have to think very long. It had always been our dream to run a place like The Bear and here it was being offered to us."

The timing, however, was not ideal. In the run-up to Christmas most arrangements had been made, bookings confirmed and there was little to do but support the staff as they approached the busiest time of the year.

Mr MacLachlan said: "We spent a lot of time looking and listening and every day we learned more of what happens."

Most of the changes that have taken place up to now have been behind the scenes.

Wadworth, which owns the 16th century former coaching inn, has agreed to invest heavily in rewiring the building and installing a state- of-the-art fire alarm system.

The kitchen has already been completely modernised and a £6,000 dishwasher installed.

But the change the MacLachlans are most proud of is the arrival of head chef Steve Haggerty, a veteran of many top hotels, who has worked with nationally renowned fish specialist Rick Stein.

Mr MacLachlan said: "When Steve first arrived I used to stand and watch him at work in the kitchen, not to check up on him but in fascination at the concentration with which he works."

Once Mr Haggerty has settled in, the MacLachlans plan to spread the word about the top cuisine.

Although the Master Lambton restaurant is closed at the moment while a damp-proofing problem is sorted out, business lunches are being offered in the top lounge together with cream teas at the weekend.

Mr MacLachlan said: "We have two ladies making our own cakes and puddings. They are so delicious I am putting on pounds in weight."

The Lawrence Room buffet has been fitted with a new marble counter. It is planned to introduce Friday and Saturday night grills.

Wadworth has applied for planning permission to demolish outbuildings at the rear of the building to make way for a courtyard for diners.

The ballroom is also scheduled for a facelift. A new lift will, for the first time, make the first floor banqueting hall accessible to disabled people.

The cellar bar will not be used as a night club. Instead, it will be a themed bar with a small jazz combo.

The redecoration of the 25 bedrooms will start next year and Wadworth also wants to improve the reception area.

Mr MacLachlan has a new website www.thebearhotel.net which includes a virtual tour of the rooms.

He said: "The Bear is one of the grand hotels of the south west. We want to take it to its next phase."