A CITY centre hotel is reopening today after six months following the completion of a £2.2 million refurbishment project.

More than 50 new jobs have been created at the new look Judge's Lodging in Lendal following the investment by the hotel's new owners.

Daniel Thwaites plc bought the business out of administration for £1.5 million in November last year, and prior to closing the hotel in January for the refurbishment, had already spent £500,000 on repairs, bringing total investment more than to £4 million.

The refurbishment has seen an extra eight rooms added to the hotel, bringing the total to 21, as well as an expansion of the cellar bar and dining area into the upper first floor of the building, and additional outdoor terraces.

All 50 new jobs have been filled by local workers, with bosses saying they will be looking to recruit more team members as the summer trading gets underway.

The Judge's Lodging manager Nick James said: "The Judge’s Lodging has been welcoming visitors since 1806 and we’re thrilled to be re-energising the noble traditions of inn-keeping.

"We want to become the hub of the community. Our approach is to keep things simple, but do them exceptionally well and I’m looking forward to welcoming old and new guests in the coming weeks."

The reopening will see The Judge's Lodging become part of the Thwaites Inns of Character's portfolio of six businesses.

Sorcha Drakeford, operations director for Thwaites Inns of Character said: "We’re delighted to be breathing new life in to this fabulous building and very much want to appeal to visitors and locals who want to enjoy fabulous food and drinks, in comfortable surroundings and a relaxed and friendly service style."

The Grade Iisted building in Lendal dates back to 1710 and was originally built as a private residence for an eminent physician.

It was bought in 1806 as judges' accommodation, then was transformed into a hotel in 1976.

Daniel Thwaites is a UK craft brewer headquartered in Blackburn, Lancashire. Based at The Star Brewery, Thwaites owns a portfolio of around 320 pubs, a small but growing group of boutique coaching inns, Thwaites Inns of Character, and Shire Hotels - six four-star full service regional hotels and spas.