First look inside as Weston Hall is revamped

This is the first peek inside Staffordshire's Weston Hall, which is being restored and brought back to life following its sudden closure back in October.

The new owner of the stunning venue, a favourite for brides and grooms on their big day, was today revealed as local businessman Mike Petrouis.

Click on the image to the right for photos from inside the hall

The 54-year-old founder of the Planet Ice chain of ice rinks is restoring the hall to its former glory – and wants to redeem its good name after the sudden shutdown left dozens of devastated couples out of pocket and without a wedding venue.

The Lichfield-based millionaire has made it clear he will not be leasing the hall out to a management company, as did the previous owner, but instead would be keeping a tight rein on the business himself.

His spokesman Heath Rhodes said: "We feel terribly for the people who were let down but this is a new business with no association with what has gone before." Work started on the refurbishment last month and is due to be complete in time for an open weekend on September 29-30.

Martin Hirst, Weston Hall's head of operations, believes there is a lot of good will in the area for the new owner and his plans for the Grade II-listed Jacobean hall.

He said: "This is a stunning venue and very much a part of the local landscape. People have been calling in, wanting to know what's going on. They are excited that it is being given a new lease of life."

It is hoped to re-launch the venue in October to cater for both small and large-scale weddings, from groups as few as 12 up to 160.

There will also be a 70-seater restaurant and bar on the ground floor. The owner is keen to shed the 16th-century venue's former elitist reputation.

"We want people to feel they can call in after work for a meal, meet for afternoon tea or just come for a drink in the bar. We don't want people to be put off by the grandeur of the building," said Mr Hirst.

Mr Petrouis, who bought the hall for an undisclosed sum, has an extensive property portfolio, including the Silver Blades ice rink group and Lichfield Health and Fitness Club.

By Marion Brennan