A FAMILY that runs a wedding venue in the county are the new lease-holders of Hereford's Left Bank.

The riverside complex was bought in January by the Lively family, through their Cathedral View Investment business, and they immediately began work on the Bridge Street site in the new year.

The lease has since been bought by the Waring family, who run Lyde Court.

Lauren Waring confirmed to the Hereford Times this week that all three floors of the Left Bank have been leased to them. They hope to officially re-open the venue later this year.

"The Left Bank is a showcase for Herefordshire and has so much public support," said Lauren

"It is the perfect place to exhibit the best of Herefordshire's products and there has been overwhelming public support in favour of re-opening."

Left Bank was previously owned by Nottingham-based Bramcote Holdings and was later placed on the open market with a guide price of £1.25million.

The bar and restaurant complex endured a chequered history after its founder Albert Heijn sold the business in 2007.

It resulted in the venue shutting in 2009 before a second effort to make the business work saw it close suddenly before Christmas the following year.

Left Bank has remained closed ever since, but the Warings are confident that they can restore it to its former glory.

"Our plan is to re-launch the Left Bank, keeping the essence of what was envisaged by Albert and Monique Heijn when it opened in June 2000," said Lauren.

"It will be available for weddings, events and conferences.

"The restaurant will open on a pop-up basis, with a focus on local produce, and Charles' Bar will return."

Lauren added that the family is already taking Christmas bookings.