A WILTSHIRE hotelier is set to return to the Warminster hotel where he started his career as a barman more than 40 years ago.

James Sullivan-Tailyour, 62, has taken over the management of The Old Bell Hotel following a career which has taken him all over the world.

He is set to reopen the 15-bedroomed 17th century coaching hotel in Market Place, Warminster, following its closure more than two years ago.

Mr Sullivan-Tailyour said: “I come from the Warminster area and my first job in the hotel industry was at The Old Bell Hotel in 1978.

“I worked as a barman and, as my career developed, I was gradually given more responsibility for locking up in the evening.”

He went on to gain a degree in hospitality management and enjoyed a 30-year career that spanned the United States of America, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Thailand, Bali and the Maldives before returning to the UK 10 years ago.

The Wadworth’s premises is set to re-open in April under new management and under the brand of Wiltshire Inns.

As part of Wiltshire Inns, The Old Bell will join The Swan Hotel in Bradford on Avon under the same banner.

As owner and operator, Mr Sullivan-Tailyour has run The Swan Hotel in Bradford on Avon for over 10 years.

He is looking to develop The Old Bell Hotel in a similar style to create a welcoming town centre boutique hotel with a thriving pub that aims to offer something for everyone.

“I am keen to recreate a bustling town centre hotel that is part of the community, with a pub, restaurant and a Thai Restaurant.

“The Thai Restaurant will be an important part of our offering so we are converting the ‘Chimes Bar’ into our Thai Restaurant, The Thai Chilli.

“We will focus on delivering authentic Thai cuisine from our team of Thai Chefs and Thai food will be available for both lunch and dinner. We will also offer a takeaway service.”

Since Warminster no longer has a Thai Restaurant, Mr Sullivan-Tailyour hopes this will be a welcome addition to the town.

The hotel will also offer a quality accommodation for both business and leisure visitors, he said.

“A number of rooms will be suitable for families and the hotel will also offer dog-friendly rooms. In addition, the Function Room will be available for parties, celebrations and other events.”

Following two years of closure, The Old Bell Hotel is currently a hive of activity as Mr Sullivan-Tailyour and his team of contractors spend the next six weeks getting everything ready for the reopening.

And jobs will be on offer for those in the local community who wish to begin or develop their career in the hospitality sector.

He added: “The hotel will be looking for team members to join them in all areas; bar and restaurant staff, breakfast chefs, housekeepers, handyman and Thai speaking staff for the hotels’ Thai restaurant.

“We will be holding a day for open interviews on Thursday, March 10 between 10am and 2pm and 4pm and 7pm.

Candidates can just turn up or if they wish CVs can be sent to james@wiltshireinns.co.uk