The new owners of an historic venue are hoping people can "create new memories" following its reopening as a café-bar.

The Old Hunting Lodge at the Talbot Inn in Newnham Bridge near Tenbury Wells, formerly known as the Talbot Inn pub, has been under new ownership since June 2024 having originally closed during the covid-19 pandemic.

After its grand re-opening on Saturday, October 12 with a free hog roast event, co-owner Johan Barber said: "Me and the other owner, Adam, have been looking for a venue for around three or four years.

"We first viewed the Talbot Inn in March and we have been busy renovating it since we took ownership in June.

"It's an historic building, so the renovations put a fresh, modern take on it and created a café-bar ambiance."

Originally built as a hunting lodge around 1850, the owners quickly appreciated the significance of the building.

The Old Hunting Lodge at the Talbot Inn's co-owner, Johan Barber, says she wants people to feel "comfortable and welcome" there. (Image: Johan Barber)

Miss Barber added: "We considered changing the name entirely, but we realised the significance of the building and the memories it holds for people here.

"We are custodians of the property and of those memories.

"We're creating a place where people can hopefully come and create new memories."

The Old Hunting Lodge at the Talbot Inn is open from 9am each day, serving all-day brunch dishes alongside coffees, milkshakes and alcohol while it also offers dining in the evening on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"We're trying hard to promote local produce across the menu and bar as much as possible. 

"Though our coffee, which is sourced from Brazil through a man in Wales, is fantastic."

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The owners aren't stopping there though, with the former inn's rooms also being renovated.

Miss Barber said: "The next plan is to get our seven ensuite hotel rooms up and running, which could happen next month.

"We have a chef lined up who has worked at Michelin star-level with the likes of Marcus Wareing and Gordon Ramsay.

"He will be joining us for our fine dining restaurant for 30 covers, 1850 at The Talbot Inn.

"We want to appeal to a wide range of people - and we want them to feel comfortable and welcome."