There was cause for celebration in St Ives today (Tuesday) as the new JD Wetherspoon pub opened for business.

The Hunts Post: Part of the outside area at the new JD Wetherspoon pubPart of the outside area at the new JD Wetherspoon pub (Image: Archant)

Based in Market Hill, The Swan and Angel welcomed dozens of new customers through its doors to sample its modern décor, food and drink, and outdoor seating area.

After cutting the ribbon, town mayor, Councillor Debbie Townsend, said: “I welcome any new business into the town centre and I’m delighted to see the investment that has gone into making the building as it is now and rejuvenating it.

“With the decline of the high street and pubs it’s a delight that we can see that St Ives is going against the trend and seeing the new businesses opening in the town centre, and I wish them all the best for the future.”

JD Wetherspoon has invested £1.9 million in the new pub, which used to be a Warehouse Clearance shop, and created 60 new jobs for the town.

Michael Loveridge, manager, said: “I’m very proud and honoured [to be managing the pub]. It’s a local community we’re part of and I feel we’re doing what we can to support that.”

He added the pub is one of only a few JD Wetherspoon branches which offers pizza as part of its menu, and that having high standards is key to his managing style.

Also there on the day was Wetherspoon-devotee Alan Hart, who was celebrating his 85th birthday along with his 17-year-old grandson, Alex Waldron, who works as kitchen associate at the branch.

He said: “The new pub is perfect and it’s in a lovely position. We can walk here from our house.”

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

Food will be served throughout the day, from opening till 11pm, every day.