The Nelson Inn has, for years, been a haven for people travelling between Harrogate and Skipton on the A59.

The pub has undergone several changes of ownership in recent years. But now, after a £1m spruce up in the wake of its summer acquisition by Brunning & Price, it is set to reopen.

Two hundred people have been invited to drinks and nibbles tonight. After another invitation-only event to trial the food tomorrow, the pub on the edge of Killinghall will open to the public at 5pm on Wednesday.

It will serve drinks from 11.30am daily and begin offering freshly-cooked food at noon, right through until 9pm Monday to Thursday, 9.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 8pm on Sundays.

With 156 seats inside and 60 outside, it is another chapter in the long history of this deceptively spacious pub.

Landlady Sam Aston, who was previously employed by Greene King in the Isle of Man, has taken charge and head chef Stuart Russell is running the kitchen.

The bar serves a wide range of drinks brewed locally, by companies including Roosters, Turning Point and the Harrogate Brewing Company.

Ms Aston says the building was originally built as a house in 1776 and is believed to be one of many that adopted the Nelson name after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

It is the 82nd pub in the upmarket range belonging to Brunning & Price. Although the layout hasn't changed a great deal, the refurbishment has given it a cosy and welcoming feel.

The ground floor is dog-friendly and there are two private dining areas. Roaring fires, events such as gin-tasting and afternoon teas are also part of the mix, although the teas aren't available yet.

The business has created about 30 jobs but the company still hopes to recruit about 10 more staff.