A PROMINENT Oxenhope pub which closed down after being briefly re-opened in autumn of 2015 is opening its doors again after taking on new staff.

The Waggon & Horses, in Hebden Bridge Road, was bought by husband and wife team Michael and Rebekah Grimes in July 2015.

Mr and Mrs Grimes opened it in October of that year after carrying out a major refurbishment, but had to shut nine months later.

The couple, who also run the successful White Lion Hotel across the moor in Hebden Bridge, said staffing issues meant they were unable to devote the necessary time to both hostelries.

Commenting last week Mr Grimes said the Waggon and Horses had also been dogged by persistent, technical problems which meant it did not have a functioning telephone landline.

But he said he and his wife have now resolved the previous problems and taken on two new key staff members to operate the Waggon and Horses on a day-to-day basis. It is due to re-open next Thursday. (November 24)

The newcomers, general manager Greg Kean and head chef Gareth Atkinson, will also co-own the pub.

Mr Grimes said: "Gareth assumes the head chef position after nine years at The Old Silent Inn at Stanbury.

"He's renowned for producing homemade country pub food of high quality and achieved Britain's Best Food Pub award.

"Greg has spent many years running a smooth customer experience in similar destination food inns such as The Dog & Gun at Oxenhope, The Ring of Bells at Thornton, and the White Horse, also at Thornton.

"Between the two of them, they will be responsible for the operation and direction of the new Waggon & Horses.

"This will be a proper country pub serving cask ales, good country food and with a nice atmosphere. We're confident that we've now got the right people in the right places.

"We were absolutely gutted when we had to close earlier this year, because the refurbished pub had received such a favourable response.

"We hated having to take it away from people.

"Rebekah and I love this location and think it is really special. We know that it can work."