Major building works are still underway at The Middle Ruddings Hotel in Braithwaite

It was rumoured that it would be re-opening in about May, but it would appear to be behind schedule at time of writing.

This hotel was run by Andy and Liz McMaster for 15 years, until their lease expired about 18 months ago, when it was taken over by the owners, who also own several other local hotels, including the Coledale Inn.

Beer was good and inexpensive under the McMasters who hailed from Kent, as was their cuisine.

The Ruddings appeared in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide every year since Andy and Liz took the reins. They will be a very difficult act to follow, as they were superb mine hosts.