THE Consul General of India cut the ribbon to open a new bar and restaurant at the Cricklade House Hotel.

Dr Aman Puri, a Birmingham-based member of the Indian Foreign service, was joined by professor prof Nat Puri CBE, founder of the Purico Group which own the hotel, to open the new bar, part of a £1.5m renovation of the stately hotel.

James Hemming, operations director for Cricklade House Hotel said “It was a pleasure to welcome local business leaders and distinguished guests to celebrate the launch of the Hotel’s new bar and restaurant; we are particularly thankful to Dr Puri for officially opening the bar.

“The bar and restaurant refurbishment marks the first milestone in the reincarnation of Cricklade House Hotel which will see around £1.5m invested in order to take the hotel to the 4-star market and provide a location in which local residents can be proud of.

More than 120 guests were also at the grand opening to try out the bars new menu and drinks, with music played by local singer songwriter Dakota Simpson

“We have been delighted to forge a partnership with the Cotswolds Distillery and in turn introduce their products as house pours, delightful cocktails compiled by head of mixology Oliver Morris and flavoured coffees to a completely refurbished bar, featuring more than 100 whiskies and over 50 gins. In addition, Spring will see the launch of the ‘Cotswolds Gin Terrace’.”

The refurbishment of the hotel will also add a spa and treatment area for guests to get the full package while staying.

Cricklade House was built in 1920 and changed hands between a number of wealthy owners before becoming a hotel in 1969. It now has 45 bedrooms, which have also been refurbished as part of the works, that are due to be finished in early 2019.