Jobs delight as restaurant opens

A £1.4 million pub and restaurant in Rugeley has now opened its doors, bringing more than 40 new jobs to the town.

The Stag's Leap in Wolseley Road is on the site of the former Eaton Lodge Hotel.

Bosses said they were hoping it would be a roaring success.

Marston Inns say that the 170-seat restaurant will appeal to families who are looking to dine out on a budget.

It is slightly smaller than the hotel was but has a larger terrace and boasts a children's play area and beer garden.

The 160-year-old Eaton Lodge Hotel was bulldozed in February.

Area manger Alastair Robinson said: "We are very pleased to have opened in Rugeley.

"It is a very exciting venture."

"We are sure the customers will enjoy their experience with us," he added.

The new pub has brought 42 jobs to the town.

News that the pub was to open was a boost to the pub trade after 100 pubs across the region became empty or available to let.

The brewery sold some of the land to developer Bellway Homes, which was granted planning permission for 24 houses to be built there.

The go-ahead for the homes to be built was given following an appeal against a decision to throw plans out in 2006.

A range of three, four and five-bedroom homes are being built.