Nine months after closing for a complete renovation and restoration program, the Chain Locker in Falmouth is back open for business.

At the time of closing, every detail in the main bar was photographed by fieldworkers from design and architect team Design Management Partnership, and every item of bric-a-brac was painstakingly removed and stored so that they could be put back in place once the necessary remedial works and additions, such as the disabled access lift, had been completed.

The works have taken longer than originally planned, in part due to several unforeseen issues that had to be overcome.

St Austell Brewery curator Chris Knight said: “When we started peeling back the layers of the different building works across the centuries we discovered at least 10 inches of subsidence down the main entrance wall. This is something that simply couldn’t have been envisaged until the building was opened up and the entire building appeared to be resting upon one crumbling pillar on the Quay Street side. It’s a great feeling to be back in the old building and to see how brilliantly it has been transformed while still retaining its former glory.”

The additional remedial work required to make the building structurally sound was the main reason for the delayed re-opening but CAD Heritage director Sam Mayou said the wait was well worth it.

He said: “We’re immensely pleased with what has been achieved here at the Chain Locker. One of our main instructions from the brewery was to ensure that we didn’t lose the look and feel of the original bar area and all of the positive feedback we have received so far tells us we got it right. Not only have we given back to the people of Falmouth one of their most iconic drinking spots, but as a team we have given the whole site a new lease of life for more people and future generations to enjoy.”

On top of the extensive works in the bar, the upstairs of the building has also been completely restored to create a fully accessible restaurant and oyster bar with private eating rooms and a delightful, covered balcony area overlooking the historic own quay.

Further additions include six new bedrooms offering luxury accommodation at the water’s edge, some boasting breath-taking coastal views.

Examples of some of the amazing archaeology discovered during the restoration can be seen displayed on site, such as the hand-painted wallpaper, a sample of which has also been sent to the British Museum for dating, while the newly discovered fireplace has been restored to become a central feature in the bar.

Tim Frampton, site agent during the remedial works, said: “I’ve been doing this kind of work for 40 years and rarely do you come across finds like these, especially in commercial buildings that traditionally get rebuilt and altered across the years.”

With new general manager Nathan Boundy at the helm, the Chain Locker is now open for food and accommodations bookings, as well as just for popping in for a pint.

For more information visit chainlockerfalmouth.co.uk or call 0345 241 1133.