THE Riverside Inn, once of Ross-on-Wye’s most iconic pubs, is nearing the end of its major renovation.

When Rebecca Pickup and Charlie Baker acquired the pub, it was damp, dark and full of the debris left behind by squatters.

But now the pub is almost ready for opening with the last touches being made to the paintwork and the grouting of tiles.

The couple explained that the pub would be opening sometime during the following weeks, as the staff still need to undergoing training.

The only structural difficulty found during the renovation was creating the walkway through the old chimney breast into the early 1960s extension. All the original stonework and bricks have been exposed along with one of the many fireplaces being restored so that it can be used in the winter months.

The couple said that their decision to open the café on site to help fund the renovation project, was one of the best decisions they had made.

Rebecca said that they were working towards having 60 set dining covers inside and were hopeful for similar numbers outside on the terrace and in the garden. She added: “The produce used in the restaurant will be locally sourced. Our aim is quality over quantity.”

The couple explained that much of the furniture had come from a flea market while the pews were adapted by the team at EnviroAbility to their specifications.

A lot of the lighting and the iron work was provided by the Anticultural Store in town.

Charlie said that the pub will have real ales along with a variety of other beers, lagers and ciders on draught along with a range of Herefordshire gins, ciders and vodka and locally produced Farmers’ Crisps.

Rebecca concluded: “The pub has changed its personality over the past nine months, it’s no longer crying as its much lighter and brighter, and welcoming.”