WORK is under way to create Wells' newest pub on the site of what was one of its oldest.

Sadler's Brasserie restaurant at The White Hart hotel in Sadler Street is being converted into a "good old-fashioned pub" that will be open in time for the Christmas season.

Only in its recent history did the 15th century White Hart become a hotel – previously it was an inn, so now the clock is being turned back.

The project is being carried out by design and building company Concorde BGW, which has won numerous awards for its work on bars and restaurants.

"One of my loves is pubs," said Concorde BGW director Guy Bostock.

"We want to create a destination pub. It will be a good old-fashioned pub with good old-fashioned food."

The pub will have timber floors, and the bar will be made out of timber panelling from an old library.

The interior will be enhanced by a hand-picked selection from the Concorde BGW warehouse in Doncaster that is full of interesting objects accumulated over the years.

The front of The White Hart is being repaired and repainted as part of the project. Other changes will include a new reception desk and a new dining room at the back.

"We're not doing anything structurally," said Guy.

The work inside and out should all be completed by early December.

The White Hart is one of the Sleeping Bear Hotels chain. Managing director Tudor Hopkins said: "Lucy and I are delighted to be partnering with Guy at Concorde BGW in bringing The White Hart back to its historic roots as a classic old-fashioned inn.

"We hope that those who can remember it as one of the oldest pubs in Wells will enjoy returning to us in December and seeing the changes we have made."