A HISTORIC Keighley pub has reopened – with a new name – following a £300,000 refurbishment.

The new-look Taylor's on the Green, formerly the Lord Rodney, was unveiled at a VIP launch evening.

And after a trial opening, the Church Green premises were fully operational in time for Keighley's Yorkshire Day celebrations.

The pub, which is believed to date back over 400 years, closed in early June to undergo the extensive work.

Features of the refurb included a new bar, toilets, branding and decoration.

Outside, the pub has been repainted, new signage installed and a heated seating area provided.

Keighley building firm RN Wooler worked with Timothy Taylor brewery, which owns the hostelry, to deliver the scheme. Interior design was by Skipton-based Bowman Riley, and there were contributions to the project from a number of locally-based suppliers.

Representatives of the companies involved were amongst those at the launch, together with Keighley's deputy mayor Councillor John Kirby and consort Councillor Julie Adams.

Timothy Taylor says the renaming of the pub to Taylor’s on the Green is designed to reflect its position in the town – and its close relationship with the family brewery and its 164-year history in Keighley.

Paul Turner, Taylor's estate operations director, said the refurbishment had received positive feedback.

He added: "We have recruited a fantastic staff team and are excited to show off the stunning refurbishment to our previous regulars and new visitors, who can enjoy our all-day food and drink offer whilst soaking up the ambience and learning more about Timothy Taylor’s history and heritage. We also have an onsite brewery shop.

"We are really excited to invest in this prominent outlet in the town centre. We believe it will be a significant and welcome contribution to the leisure offer in Keighley. The good train links and presence of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway will make it easy for Taylor’s fans to visit.

"Given the impracticalities of having a tap room at the brewery to host guests and customers, Taylor’s feels it is vital to have one of its pubs in Keighley even more closely aligned with the brewery.

"The outlet will be managed directly by Timothy Taylor’s."

Originally called Ye Olde Red Lion, the pub was renamed the Lord Rodney in the late 1700s in honour of leading 18th-century British admiral Sir George Brydges Rodney – later Lord Rodney, Rear Admiral of Great Britain.