WETHERSPOONS is set to open its new pub in Kingswinford early next week, with the creation of 70 new jobs.

Pub operator JD Wetherspoon has spent £2.57million redeveloping the landmark pub, The Cross, which will be officially opened by Dudley South MP Mike Wood at 8am on Monday August 3.

The new venue will be called The Cross Inn and it will be managed by Gabby Tandy who said she is "looking forward to welcoming customers into the pub" and she added: "We are confident that it will be a great addition to the Kingswinford community.”

Work has been underway since last autumn to redevelop the Grade II listed building, which has stood on the corner of the High Street and Moss Grove for 200 years, perhaps longer.

‘The Cross’ is marked on the 1750 parish map, although not clear if this name refers to the crossroads or the name of the inn.

In 1822 the ‘Cross Inn’ belonged to Diana Briscoe, of nearby Summerhill House, and over the next 50 years it was mentioned many times in local newspapers, as well as being recorded by that name in the census of 1881, later becoming ‘The Cross Hotel’.

The new pub will specialise in real ales, craft and world beers, serving a range of different draught ales, plus bottled beers, including from local and regional brewers.

Food will be served throughout the day, from opening until 11pm everyday, and it will be open for family dining with children, accompanied by an adult, welcome in the pub up until 9pm in the week.

The new-look pub features one bar, with extensive gardens to the sides and back of the premises - with a separate designated outdoor area for smoking.

The interior has been given a fresh look, with a bespoke designed carpet throughout, modern steel and bright windows, and new building work has been blended with the existing structure to retain and expose forgotten features and brickwork. Wheelchair accessible, it includes a specially adapted toilet for people with disabilities on the ground floor.

The pub has also been decked out with historical photos and details of local history, plus artwork and images of local scenes and characters of the area.

Among the artwork on display is a commissioned glass sculpture by Stourbridge-based artist Paul Floyd, entitled Liquid Light Series 1, as well as a ‘glass works inspired’ graffiti mural.

The new pub will be open from 8am until 12 midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and 8am until 1am Friday and Saturday.