A FORMER pub turned “luxury” restaurant and rooms has welcomed its first diners.

The Impeccable Pig, formerly the Hope Inn, in Sedgefield, hailed the first stage of its opening by greeting customers to its restaurant offering bistro-style food seven days a week.

It is the latest addition to the portfolio of Ramside Estates which bought the grade II-listed building and carried out a £1.5m revamp.

General manager Pierre Bertolotti said: “We believe it will fast become the go-to place for the whole area and that everyone will be impressed with not only the look of the pub and restaurant, but also by the fantastic food we are going to offer.”

At the helm is chef Chris Finnigan at the helm, he brings with him experience at Le Manoir, under culinary legend Raymond Blanc, and several other Michelin-starred restaurants.

Private dining is possible in a new mezzanine room around a unique feature dining table which can seat up to 18 guests.

It also offers an extensive wine list, with more than 170 different wines, a range of French beers and ciders, a large choice of spirits including 20 gins and ten tonics, more than 25 whiskies and local, real ales.

And for those who want to make a night of it, The Impeccable Pig has ten individually styled rooms, which are on course to open mid-October.