The Inn Collection Group's latest reopening exploded into life on Monday as The Tynemouth Castle Inn threw open its doors following a 14-month programme of refurbishment.

Totally transformed by its new owners through the renovations, the venue is now a welcoming pub sited in prime position on the North Tyneside coast that also boasts 72 bedrooms for the perfect seaside break.

Declared open at noon by general manager Jason Milburn and members of his team with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, the eager anticipation that The Tynemouth Castle Inn has been creating was in full view, with more than 100 customers waiting to be amongst the first through the doors.

Thronging around the sprawling bar, it was an encouraging start to service for the team, with specialist coffees and teas supplied via Ringtons proving to be the early order of the day with more than 250 being brewed over the opening afternoon.

As the afternoon progressed the state-of-the-art kitchen began to show its skills with light bights and main menu items aplenty wowing diners in the 270 cover interior spaces, with more than 500 dishes served by 6pm.

Its new role as a pub was also embraced by the many visitors calling in on opening day, with more than 1,000 pints served in the first six hours of trading.

With the autumn sun shining brightly outside, the newly landscaped external terrace was also proving a popular spot, as people settled down to drink in the views offered over Longsands beach and towards the Tynemouth headland.

It was here where crowds flocked in the early evening as the relaunch was marked with a superb fireworks display from local specialists Spectrum Fireworks, as The Inn Collection Group used the proximity to bonfire night to launch the site with a bang.

The Tynemouth Castle Inn has been a project that has employed the services of a range of north east based companies, with Silverstone Building Consultancy in place project managers and contract administrators, GSS Architecture as architects and principal designers.

Maughan Reynolds Partnerships were engaged for structural and civil designs, while KLR Planning provided consultancy services around planning, whilst mechanical and electrical designs were conducted by Sine Consulting.

Design houses BXB Interiors and Design North both delivered on creating the new look and feel of the property, with both contributing to the guest rooms, BXB looking after the pub and Design North taking the lead on the new Oswin's fish and chip shop and Cones ice cream parlour.

Their visions were delivered through PC Northern, the Gateshead-based bespoke joiners and shopfitters.

Reacting to the reopening, group CEO of The Inn Collection Group Sean Donkin said: “This stunning building is an institution on the coast in Tynemouth and we are delighted to be giving this icon a new lease of life for people in the community and visitors alike to enjoy.

“Our restoration has been a significant investment and has been carefully carried out to preserve the individual character and distinctiveness of the building.

“We are looking forward to being a part of the community and contributing to North Tyneside's wider economic growth, prosperity and employment opportunities through increased, year-round trading.

“We knew our improved bar and dining areas would attract new and local custom, but we are genuinely delighted to see so many people come down and be part of the first day of The Tynemouth Castle Inn's new story.

“There are good occupancy levels for this opening week in the bedrooms too and we are very pleased to see such a strong start.”