Almost 100 new jobs are being created with the re-opening this month of The Thomas Ingoldsby in the city as one of Wetherspoons’ new look pub hotels.

It follows an 18-week refurbishment project costing £2.5 million to create a new 13-bedroom hotel on the second floor which will launch on Tuesday, May 29.

It has a mix of double, twin and family en-suite rooms as well as the latest facilities and services, including free wi-fi.

The rooms and hallways are decorated with artwork produced by pupils from Wincheap Primary School and The Canterbury Primary School.

The ground floor of the pub, which originally opened as a Wetherspoon’s in April 1997, has also been given a makeover and a new, first floor dining area added.

Wetherspoon says the pub areas have been updated with a “modern palette of warm burgundy and soft blues”, with existing timber panelling replicated to complement the ground floor and first floors.

New bar areas now feature on both floors, and the interior design includes a mixture of refurbished, salvaged and new furniture as well as a stunning chandelier.

Artwork by local artists is also on display, including an original ink and wash by David Arbus, a limited-edition print by Kent-based Graham Lock and limited-edition artwork by Anna Allworthy.

The business in Burgate, managed by Ali Stevenson, will create 90 full and part-time jobs, taking the total number to 150.

Former staff will be returning to the site following relocation to other Wetherspoon’s pubs.