The owners of Knutsford's Belle Epoque brassiere and hotel and the Duke of Portland, Lach Dennis, have invested over £250,000 in a new Cheshire venue.

The Mooney family have signed a deal backed by Marstons brewery, to develop a 300-year-old derelict pub in the quaint village of Tarvin, near Chester.

The million-pound project will see a total revamp of a venue that has stood empty for over 12months and will bring over 40 new employment opportunities to the area.

The beautiful old coaching inn will keep its original name, the George & Dragon and be transformed back into its former glory. Like, the two other establishments owned by the Mooney family, this new contemporary country pub, will serve quality food prepared using only the finest ingredients from local farms and artisan food suppliers. It will offer real cask ales and a wine list with over a 100 wines from around the world. The George & Dragon will also be a smart boutique hotel with six en-suite bedrooms.

Working closely with Manchester's Architect CT, the new look George & Dragon will boast the elegance and individuality of the Belle Epoque with the relaxed atmosphere of the Duke of Portland. The Duke has recently secured a number of accolades, it was voted as one of the UK's top 10 Gastro Pubs by The Times; won Pub of the Year at the Cheshire Food & Drink Festival and was the only venue in Cheshire to be added into the 2007 Michelin Pub Guide. Residents of the village of Tarvin have welcomed the development of the George & Dragon and have already started making reservations - without even seeing the menu. Matthew Mooney, proprietor of the new George & Dragon is excited about the latest project: ‘With over 30 year's experience in the hospitality industry as independent new challenge.

We'll be buying all our produce from top local suppliers, including all our beef from Ken Webb in Lach Dennis; all fish our from David Levings at the Manchester wholesale market and all our potatoes from Peter Moseley of Wash Lane Farm. Using locally produced goods is at the heart of what makes each of our venues special. This is the largest amount Marstons has invested in one establishment, so we were delighted when they approached us about getting involved. The aim is to create a traditional country pub with a modern twist.

The development is going to be a fantastic asset to the village of Tarvin and the surrounding area.' The George & Dragon is due to open on the 1st December, just in time to serve up a fabulous Christmas dinner.