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The renovation revealed some surprises at The White Hart too: Decorators not only uncovered two priest holes but also a 17th century fireplace and two Victorian fireplaces, all hidden away for decades.

Hotel owners, Arkell’s Brewery, hope that the investment will pay off not only for the hotel, but also for the pretty Cotswold town and have welcomed new landlords Paul and Mandy Griffiths behind the bar.

Paul and Mandy moved from The Carpenter’s Arms at Fulbrook near Burford to take over the hotel last month, along with most of their loyal staff. Mandy said: “This has been a joint project between Arkell’s, who have been fantastically supportive, and ourselves, and we’re thrilled with the result. I think the locals are happy too as they almost drank the pub dry the first weekend we opened.”

Paul, who has cooked for The King of Saudi Arabia, Nelson Mandela and a host of UK celebrities, is hoping to create a haven for local drinkers and visitors from further afield who will stay in the refurbished hotel rooms. His menu contains unfussy, uncomplicated dishes focussing on local ingredients.”

Although the front of the building is Georgian, parts of The White Hart date back to the 12th century and it was a coaching inn from the 14th Century.

James added: “This is an investment in The White Hart, which we bought eleven years ago this month, and in Stow-on-the-Wold. Mandy and Paul are great new landlords who have had significant input into its restoration. Since we have uncovered much of the building’s hidden beauty, the hotel could almost become a tourist attraction itself. ”