THE Old Ale House in Salisbury is to benefit from a major £282k investment.

The Crane Street pub has closed for the revamp but will reopen in early August as The Old Ale and Coffee House - creating 15 jobs.

The joint investment by Star Pubs & Bars, Heineken’s pub business, and new operator Buff & Bear Saloons.

It will be run by former Geronimo Inns managing director Ed Turner and his wife Buffy.

Funds are being spent transforming the venue into a pub which will showcase the best of Wiltshire from food and drink to art, craft, and wine.

Ed Turner, of Buff & Bear, said: “There’s been a pub here since 1411, so we’re keen to respect the fabric of the building, whilst giving it a more contemporary, eclectic style.

“There’s a touch of London mews pub with reclamation pieces as well as a Barcelona tapas bar feel with food on display.

“As for atmosphere it will be a mix of Brooklyn bar where everyone knows your name and vibrant Parisien street culture.

“It’ll be a relaxing place to go for a comfortable morning coffee and lunch as well as a buzzy venue for an evening drink.”

There will be events like regular quizzes, movie nights, craft competitions, cocktail classes, the oyster festival and old ale festivals.

Outside the pub will benefit from a complete redecoration including new signage and lighting as well as a new courtyard garden for alfresco drinking and dining with its own bar.

Inside traditional features will be retained while creating a more contemporary environment. The walls will feature local art and photography.

A new kitchen is also being installed.

Mr Turner added: “In time we’ll also be hosting local arts, photography and food festivals.

“As my wife and partner, Buffy and I live nearby it’s got to be a great local buzzing with personality. With Star’s and our investment it will be. This will be the first of a few for Buff and Bear.”

Star Pubs & Bars, managing director, Lawson Mountstevens said:  “We’re thrilled with Ed and Buffy’s plans for the Old Ale & Coffee House, which is in a fantastic location near the Cathedral.  It needed operators of their calibre and vision to realise its potential.  It will now have broad appeal to tourists and young and old alike and will I am sure be a great success.

“We’re delighted to be investing in the Old Ale & Coffee House to secure its long term future.  Heineken is a passionate supporter of the great British pub and has invested in pubs like The Old Ale & Coffee House, which need ongoing investment to deliver excellent quality, attract customers and thrive at the heart of their communities for years to come.”