A RE-OPENING date has been set for a pub wrecked in an arson attack – but locals and tourists can get a flavour of what’s to come during the Tour de Yorkshire.

The Fleece, in Addingham, has been acquired by the Seafood Pub Company (SPC), a country inn, restaurant and pub group, as part of an expansion drive. The grade-two listed property – which suffered significant damage in the September 2015 blaze – has undergone a £1.2million development programme and is due to reopen on Tuesday, May 9.

But those keen to have a look at the new interior and sample a reduced menu can do so on Sunday, April 30, and the following Monday.

Antony Shirley, executive chef of the Seafood Pub Company, said: “We are all really excited and cannot wait to open. We’ve got a fantastic brigade of chefs who will work with the locals to create menus which include all of their favourites, and of course our signature seafood specials.”

Joycelyn Neve, Seafood Pub Company managing director, added: “We are incredibly pleased to announce our second acquisition of 2017. We are proud to be able to add another fantastic venue to our SPC family. We’ve had a really warm welcome from all the locals and look forward to serving our award-winning food to the people of Addingham and the neighbouring areas.”

Leased from Punch Taverns, it will be the first SPC venue to open in Yorkshire with the creation of 25 jobs. It will be closely followed by The Red Lion pub in Harrogate.

The Seafood Pub Company is backed by Penta Capital and now has 12 sites across Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Barman Leigh Meeks was jailed for six years and eight months in November 2015 after causing damage estimated at three-quarters-of-a-million pounds in an arson attack described as “pure revenge”.

Meeks, then 33, who had lost his bar job because of suspicions about missing money, used lighter fuel and a lighter to start the fire in a cardboard box in a storeroom in the early hours.

He pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.