Works are inching closer to completion, but the site has been a closed-off construction zone - until now.

The Leader can reveal the first look inside the pub as the finishing touches are put on before locals are welcomed back.

Harvest Hotels owner Fraser Haughton said he is hoping to open the Courthouse Hotel for business in about September.

"It's nice seeing something that you've put a lot of time and effort into somewhat come to life, so we're very excited and can't wait for it to open," he said.

READ ALSO:

The Leader's images reveal how the interior has been reshaped, the back area extended, and a bistro built.

But, Mr Haughton said maintaining the hotel's long local history was the driving force behind their design decisions.

"It was was important to show off the old heritage of the pub," he told the Leader.

"We've pared it back to what we know the pub looked like back in the late 1800s when it was built, so the front facade will be very much original and we've tried to tie that into the front of the pub ... as you get out the back, it's a little more modern."

One of his personal favourite additions is the opening up of the inside to house a vintage-inspired bar he estimates to be about 16-metres long, adding a bit of "grandeur" to the hotel.

"It used to be a bit pokey, but now you can walk in and see from front to back," he said. "We've added some segments, we've got a big courtyard ... and a big bistro.

"It's got all the ingredients for a good pub."

The Courthouse Hotel has been a staple on the Tamworth social scene for a long time and Mr Haughton said when the watering hole reopens later this year, anyone is welcome.

"We tried to build something that suits anyone from any walk of life," he said.

The coronavirus crisis has caused tumultuous times for people in the pub game over the past few months, as health orders continue to change and now the COVID-19 case count is on the rise in parts of Australia.

Mr Haughton said the situation is "a little concerning", but is holding out hope the new-look Courthouse Hotel can open in September.

"We're desperate to open and whatever that form takes then we'll deal with it as best we can ... we'll just open and play by the rules," he said.

Harvest Hotels closed the Courthouse for works last June.

The company also owns the Pig and Tinder Box and Sonny's Bakery in Tamworth, and described the Courthouse Hotel as the "jewel in the crown".

Want more local news? Subscribe to the Leader to read it here first

Have your say. Click this link to send a letter to the editor