Asian influence for Barnstaple pub

A TRADITIONAL Barnstaple town centre pub is set to re-open as an Asian-influenced restaurant and cocktail bar in the New Year. The Grade II-listed North Country Inn, in Mermaid Walk, has been bought by Businessman James Li, who owns the Fullam Chinese res

A TRADITIONAL Barnstaple town centre pub is set to re-open as an Asian-influenced restaurant and cocktail bar in the New Year.

The Grade II-listed North Country Inn, in Mermaid Walk, has been bought by Businessman James Li, who owns the Fullam Chinese restaurant in Tuly Street.

The pub, which dates back to the mid 18th Century, closed in spring this year and was put on the market by owners Enterprise Inns.

Mr Li, who also owns the Tiandi Restaurant in Bude, is planning a six-month restoration project to restore the building and conserve and highlight its original features.