A SIXTEENTH-CENTURY inn has reopened its doors after closing for two months for a major programme of refurbishment.The Crown Hotel in the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge was purchased by Greene King around six months ago and has since undergone a £500,000 revamp.

A SIXTEENTH-CENTURY inn has reopened its doors after closing for two months for a major programme of refurbishment.

The Crown Hotel in the Thoroughfare, Woodbridge was purchased by Greene King around six months ago and has since undergone a £500,000 revamp.

The hotel's 21 bedrooms have been refurbished and a new menu introduced.

The next part of the modernisation will see the creation of a new garden area and the conversion of the old assembly rooms located at the back of the property.

The 500-year-old building currently stands in a derelict state but, if planning permission is granted, could be transformed into a function room and more bedrooms.

Hotel manager Colin Smith said: "This could be an absolutely fantastic facility and it will be great for the town to have it restored after so long."

Plans have now been submitted and should appear before councillors later this month.

The inn has a colourful history, dating back to 1502, when it was known as the Stone Cross Inn.

In the eighteenth century the building was given an elegant classical façade and a new range was built on the front.

Mr Smith said: "It has been a huge project but it is wonderful to see the reactions of old customers. The idea of the development was to retain the traditional character of the Inn while giving the interiors a more modern feel.

"It's great to see the reactions of old customers who have returned."

The official re-opening of the hotel will be held on Sunday night .

A jazz band will be playing and a John Cleese lookalike will welcome guests.

There will be free canapes in the bar and the new-look rooms will be open for the public to browse around.