Further renovations proposed at Ancient Unicorn pub at Bowes

A HISTORIC pub dating to the 16th century will enter a new chapter if renovation plans are given the green light.

The Ancient Unicorn, in Bowes, will see five extra bedrooms and its bar moved back to its original central spot under new proposals submitted to Durham County Council.

Owners Andy and Fiona Sparrow bought the pub three years ago in a state of disrepair and spent seven months restoring it before its grand reopening in August 2015.

Two years on, the pair now want to secure its future by making the most of the inn’s ground floor.

“We have had a busy two years since it opened – we are just trying to find the best way to do it,” said Mr Sparrow.

“It was a bit of a derelict wreck when we bought it and we’ve spent a lot of money on it upgrading rooms, improving food and the kitchen.

“We are not like a pub chain that destroy it – we are trying to make it for everybody and to bring tourism into the area.”

A design statement for the plans says the proposals are designed to “improve the viability” of the inn by increasing its range of rooms on offer.

A double room, a large family bedroom with ensuite and three single rooms for “contractors and single walkers” have been earmarked.

The bar will be repositioned in the central lounge area and an extra lounge will be created near the toilets if plans are given the nod.

However, design statements indicate the exterior of the building will remain unchanged.

The grade II-listed Ancient Unicorn has a rich history.

It hosted Charles Dickens in 1838 when he wrote Nicholas Nickleby and its position on the main route from London to Scotland made it an ideal stop off point for hundreds of years.

At least 90 per cent of the inn’s trade still comes from its rooms and stopovers.

Mr Sparrow added: “I guess we are another chapter in the long history of the Unicorn.

“Things need to move forward – the building is still historic but what people want and eat has, in essence, changed.”