A RESTAURANT has re-opened following a refurbishment.

Huntley's restaurant in Samlesbury had been closed for two weeks while the makeover took place.

But the Whalley Road eatery re-opened on Thursday and is complete with a coffee shop, bar and ice cream parlour.

The restaurant has 167 covers and has operated on the site for 11 years.

It is under new management for the start of the New Year and is situated at the gateway to the Ribble Valley on the A59 by BAE.

Many of the existing staff and the current business name will remain, but the menu will be completely new, featuring plenty of traditional dishes, wholesome breakfasts and afternoon teas.

New owners, Carol Sleet and her partner Paul Wilkinson, are no strangers to the hospitality industry.

With over 30 years management experience in both hotels and restaurants, they now believe the time is right to take the plunge into business ownership for themselves.

Ms Sleet said, “We are taking on many of the existing staff and of course the existing business name, but we have very definite ideas about the changes we are going to make.

"All the food will be prepared on the premises, or in the food hall next door.

"The menu will be completely new, featuring plenty of traditional dishes, wholesome breakfasts and afternoon teas.

"And while we are a stand alone business, we do intend to work with and support the other business on the site where possible.”

Following the refurbishment which saw the restaurant close at the beginning of January, the business will re-open daily between 6am and 8pm, six days a week and 9am till 5pm on Sundays.

The grand opening celebrations on Thursday included tasting sessions, entertainment and fizz with the proceeds from these going to the Heartbeat charity, a cause to the couple's heart.

Mr Wilkinson said “Heartbeat is a local charity based in Preston working to reduce the impact of heart disease in our communities through rehabilitation, information support and advice.

"We are hoping to help raise funds on our opening night for this amazing charity."