An award-winning restaurant that has been closed for six months for a major refurbishment has announced when it will reopen.

The Venture In, in Ombersley, will reopen in December as a “more vibrant version” of its old self.

Having been closed since April, the restaurant is now approaching the final stages of major renovation work.

With the much-needed work nearing completion, chef proprietor Toby Fletcher confirmed the end was in sight.

“The landlords have carried out an extensive renovation of the property and we’re planning to reopen in December,” he said.

“The construction work is due to finish around November 10 so that will give us time to get everything back in, set up and ready to go.

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“The builders CJR have done a fantastic job, they are a very professional small company. They have come across a few unexpected issues - the oldest part of the building dates back to 1430 - but they’ve just worked them into their plans.”

The restaurant holds two AA rosettes and has entries in both the Michelin and Good Food Guides.

Alongside the refurbishment, Venture In has invested in all-new crockery, glassware and cutlery.

“It’ll still feel like the Venture In but it’ll be a fresher, more vibrant version of it,” said Mr Fletcher.

Venture In ready to 'pick up where we left off'

“During Covid, for social distancing we moved two tables into the bar area and we’re going to stick with that in our new bar - we’re not going to replace the old sofas we used to have there.

“It’s a bit daunting, the prospect of getting back behind the stove after some time off but I’m looking forward to it - the new kitchen looks fantastic and is going to be really conducive to producing great food.

"We can't wait to pick up where we left off."

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Mr Fletcher paid tribute to landlord the Ombersley Conservation Trust, which has paid for the renovation work.

“There had been no investment in the restaurant for a long time but the landlords have gone above and beyond really,” he said. “They’ve done a great job.”

The trust, a registered charity established in 1969, is a major landowner in the area and looks after historic buildings, farmland and woodland in the villages of Ombersley, Uphampton, Doverdale and Northampton.

The buildings include 33 houses and cottages, 21 of which are Grade II listed or above.