A POPULAR town centre pub is set to re-open in Bridport today.

The Market House Inn on West Street in Bridport will be pouring pints once again on Friday, December 9. 

A post in a Bridport Facebook group confirmed the news: "We would like to announce the opening of your beloved Market House Inn which will take place on Friday 9th of December 2022.

"We are very excited to meet you all and we truly look forward to having you here to get merry and Christmassy for our grand opening."

The pub shut in October after previous leaseholders moved on, citing soaring running bills and energy costs making it unviable for them to carry on. 

The new team, bar manager/general manager Tom Parkinson, front of house manager Lou Miller and head chef Michael Harry are planning to make it a family-friendly pub serving heartwarming pub grub with a welcoming atmosphere and they have been overwhelmed with the response they have received from the community so far. 

Tom Parkinson said: "We have had people interested on opening times and food. We have people ringing about bookings already. 

"We are a bit nervous, it is just getting to the fact we are there now and we can't wait to get it up and going."

Head chef Michael Harry, who previously worked as a head chef in St Ives in Cornwall, revealed the style of food they are aiming to deliver at the pub.

"We can't wait," he said. "I will be making everything in-house. Including the gravy! 

"We will be serving pub classics, trying to use as many local ingredients as possible, getting a feel for the Dorset palate.

"It's the only way to be, to have a fresh food menu. Everything will be made in-house, I am trying to use the best of local produce in our dishes."

The head chef also confirmed that the much-loved carvery would also be returning on a Sunday as well as the all-you-can-eat breakfast on a Saturday and potentially a Wednesday to coincide with market day. 

On managing the pub amid a cost of living crisis, which has seen other hospitality establishments in Dorset close, general manager Tom said:"When prices increase it concerns a lot of people.

"You have to look at the ins and outs but with that said we feel like this place will support itself without having to worry. 

"The last owners were worried about that. 

"We are turning it into a nice family venue where you can take relatives and kids for a roast. We might throw a band every so often but our main focus is to bring a family-friendly atmosphere."

The pub has begun hiring staff but is still on the lookout for more members who are keen to work. 

Those who are looking for front-of-house work can contact the pub.

The pub will be opening from 12pm on the Friday, December 9.