The Ram pub on Castlegate is now under new ownership.

One of Nottinghamshire’s largest independent pub companies has completed its acquisition of The Ram pub on Castlegate, Newark.

The Ram is the 11th venue in Nottingham-based Great Northern Inns portfolio.

Director of Great Northern Inns, David Willans, said: “We have been looking to expand into new areas of Nottinghamshire and the location and huge potential of The Ram presented a fantastic opportunity for us.”

Located at 19 Castlegate, The Ram has a colourful history, dating from the 15th Century when a coaching inn opened on the site where the current 18th Century Georgian building now stands.

After years of standing empty, the Ram was renovated by previous owner Dan Derry.

It now operates as a bar and brasserie offering a wide range of drinks from real ales to fine wines.

It has a menu featuring home-cooked favourites, traditional pub meals with a modern twist, as well as tapas, pizza and afternoon teas.

The new owners and operator said they saw great potential in the venue and planned to refresh the menu and focus on providing excellent service to the community.

The Ram is continuing to operate the same hours ­— Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 10.30pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to midnight ­— and food will now be served from noon to 8pm everyday.

A new menu is due to be launched soon.

In addition to the bar and dining areas, the venue also boasts a ballroom and a separate private dining area.

All existing staff members have remained in employment, with several new positions created and the company hope that, as the business grows, more staff from the local area will be employed.

Great Northern Inns’ other venues in the area include The Cross Keys, Trent Navigation Inn, and Copper in Nottingham, Southbank and Copper at West Bridgford and, most recently, The Refinery, at West Bridgford.