A NEW £4m pub has announced it is opening next week.

The Holly Blue, on the A30 near Beggarwood, will welcome its first customers on Wednesday, September 16.

Andy Taylor, general manager, said: "We are so excited to be finally opening our doors to each and every one of you who have been amazingly patient and supportive to us.

"Whilst this is great news we do have to put team and guest safety up there during this tough time so could I please recommend that you reserve drinks and food tables prior to your arrival to avoid disappointment."

Customers booking a table can reserve it for up to two hours.

The pub's menu is yet to be revealed on its website, but the food is described as "the highest quality pub food".

The manager of the Hall and Woodhouse pub decided to delay the opening, announcing in June that customers would need to wait a while longer to "ensure the very highest levels of hospitality".

Hall and Woodhouse acquired the site last year, but construction work was temporarily paused during lockdown.

Described as a traditional country pub, The Holly Blue is built in the style of a farmhouse with attached barn, and is named after the Holly Blue butterfly, which can sometimes be seen in Beggarwood Park next to the pub.

The pub is dog friendly and has a large garden, with log fires and oak beams inside creating a cosy space to dine.

Hall and Woodhouse commissioned Irish artist, Tonya Clifford, to make bespoke wire sculptures for the pub’s swing signs.

The handmade butterfly artwork took the artist 100 hours to complete and is made of 8,000 blue beads spanning across the wings that measure one metre in size.