AT least 40 jobs are set to be created in Great Malvern as pub giant J D Wetherspoon prepares to open the doors of its new hotel.

The former Foley Arms Hotel, Worcester Road, has been undergoing a £2 million refurbishment after being taken over by the pub chain earlier this year.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said the company was seeking to fill various full and part-time positions in time for the building’s re-opening on Friday, December 3.

“It might be more than 40 positions and it certainly won’t be less,” he said.

“In terms of investment and jobs, a new business coming to the town will hopefully have a knock-on effect.”

Mr Gershon said the roles, which include bar and kitchen work as well as front-of-house staff, could lead to a career within the company. “The vast majority of people who are in management positions around the country started behind the bar or in the kitchens.

“Wetherspoons has a great belief in promoting from within.”

The prominent town building has been shut since January when staff and management were told by the previous owners that the business had ceased trading and they were out of work.

A tense five-day sit-in began as they demanded assurances that they would be paid the money they were owed.

Wetherspoons bought the hotel in March and began an extensive programme of renovation. The new pub and hotel, part of the Wetherlodge brand, will house 23 double or twin bedrooms, a single large bar on the ground floor and a further bar in the basement, formerly a function room, with the hotel reception being situated on the first floor.

Paul Thompson, interior designer with architects Harrison Ince, said: “The building looked really nice but when you got into the fabric it was very poorly constructed. The overall spend on the job is in excess of £2 million.”

Mr Thompson said that Malvern landscape artist Antony Bridge had been commissioned to produce art work and that the pub would emphasise the town’s history, including references to Morgan Motor Company.

To apply for positions at the hotel visit jdwetherspoon.co.uk.