HERE is a first look inside a pub and hotel after a £1 million refurbishment.

Downs Hotel in Warren Road, Woodingdean, recently reopened after a three-month closure.

The pub and hotel has been transformed by the Stonegate Group, with a new outdoor seating area at the front, eight upgraded hotel rooms and a refurbished downstairs area.

Downs Hotel general manager Nick Whiteacre said it was an “exciting time” for business.

“We are so pleased to be open again. This has been a major job and the final result is just brilliant,” he said.

“It’s been nice to hear the buzz and chatter about what we are doing here and now the doors are open again, customers can see it in all its glory for themselves.

“This is a great pub for families and friends to meet up. It’s all about the community, we are family friendly, dog friendly and fully accessible for everyone – quite simply, we are your friendly local. It’s full of character with all the modern-day comforts and service.”

The two-storey building was built in 1927 and has the words "Downs Hotel" painted on the roof tiles, used to help RAF pilots navigate their way home during WW2.

Entertainment at the pub includes acoustic music nights and quizzes. There is space for group bookings to celebrate special occasions or host business meetings.

The venue is open every day from 10am and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A new menu offers a choice of pub classics and traditional Sunday roasts among other dishes.

Nick added: “We are here for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, a morning coffee, or a drink and a chat with friends or family.

“Enjoy quiet time, watch a match, take part in a quiz, chill with some music or have a meal to celebrate a special occasion or no occasion at all.

“We are open for everyone whatever the reason, that’s the beauty of a pub, you don’t need a reason to call in although, I have to say, you do need to come in and see what we have done with the place. This is a great new chapter for The Downs Hotel.”