ONE of Minehead's iconic landmarks - the Hobby Horse Inn - has opened its doors again for business after being bought by a West Somerset family.

The venue had been closed and boarded up for months before it was snapped up by local businessman Derek Merson and his family in April.

And although the refurbishment of the seafront business has yet to be completed, the pub is now open from Tuesday to Saturday evenings, with bookings also being taken for functions.

Mr Merson, who runs a car sales business and owns a number of properties in Minehead, including the Vennlands Centre, admitted this week that he had decided to buy the Hobby Horse "out of the blue".

But although it will be run by a manager, he said he and his family were determined to return it to its original glory.

"Many people will have memories of events they've attended at the Hobby Horse," he said.

"From dances and weddings to fundraisers and balls, it has been synonymous with a great evening out and we are looking forward to welcoming people back to this local venue.

"It's in a fantastic location and it's a lovely building. It's been a bit sad to see it boarded up and I'm confident that it can be successful again."

The bars, ballroom and upstairs letting rooms were originally part of the Metropole Hotel, which was built in 1892.

In the 1920s the hotel's guests included visiting Indian maharajahs who came to the area to play polo on Dunster Lawns.

Their ponies were stabled in the mews to the rear of the hotel, while the Metropole garage - now owned and run by Mr Merson - housed their prestigious Lagonda cars.

The bulk of the hotel was converted into apartments in the early 1950s, with the current bars and ballroom becoming the Hobby Horse Inn.

Two men have spent the last three months redecorating the Victorian ballroom, which Mr Merson said many local people would remember.

"It was the place to see and be seen." he said.

"The elegant ballroom with its magnificent ceiling dome and original cornices boasts one of the only fully sprung dance floors in the area - it's a unique venue for special occasions."

The Merson family plan to refurbish the entire building, bringing the kitchen and letting rooms back into business.

"So many pubs are closing in the recession but we believe we can buck the trend," said Mr Merson.

"We want to return the Hobby Horse to its glory days."

Minehead Chamber of Trade Graham Sizer said the reopening of such an iconic business was good news for the town.

"It's great to see it being brought back to life. It will provide a good linkage from Warren Road to the quieter end of the town.

"Although it's still at an early stage, the refurbishment is also good news. The ballroom looks fantastic and I think will be one of the best venues in town for weddings and events.

"To have a business like this reopening at this time of year and in the middle of a recession is a great achievement."

Photo: Steve Guscott