Jobs boost as Sonnet 43 Brewery reopens County Durham pub The Lambton Worm (VIDEO and GALLERY)

COUNTY Durham brewery Sonnet 43 has breathed new life into Chester-le-Street’s closure threatened pub The Lambton Worm – and created 30 jobs.

The pub, which occupies almost half an acre close to the main road linking Chester-le-Street and Birtley, had been shut for several months when it was bought by Sonnet 43 owners Tavistock Leisure in September 2012.

But now after a £500,000 investment the tavern is to reopen its doors on Friday February 22, serving a range of beers from the Coxhoe-based brewery, guest ales, traditional bar snacks – including Scotch eggs and homemade pies – and a modern British food menu featuring locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

“This will be a traditional English style pub with great beer and real hearty food. The Sonnet 43 core range of beers, as well as new and experimental brews, will be served, using other great local breweries for guest ales”, said Mark Hird, owner of Sonnet 43 Brew House & managing director of Tavistock Leisure.

The opening of the Lambton Worm is the first of four planned Sonnet 43 pubs and restaurants, with two at as yet undisclosed locations later this year.