PEOPLE will soon be able to stay in one of the oldest domestic buildings in the country, as ambitious plans have been drafted to transform the iconic former pub the Old White Lion.

The Malmesbury pub, now a private home, was recently renovated and opened to visitors as part of a nationwide Heritage Open Days event, serving drinks for the first time since it closed in 1970.

The owners of the grade two listed building are now looking to get permission to open the building to guests and gain an alcohol license, so visitors will be able to get drinks delivered to their room up until midnight.

In addition, they are looking at reopening as a pop-up wine bar a couple of evenings a month, doing occasional ‘secret diner’ events, and hosting creative workshops.

Thirsty residents were served at the pub for more than 500 years and was named after Edward IV, who lodged there on his way to the battle of Tewkesbury in 1471.

It was also the location of the death of barmaid Hannah Twynnoy, the first person to be killed by a tiger in Britain, so it holds unique historical significance.

Paul Smith, the building’s owner, said they have big plans for the Old White Lion.

“One idea being looked into is opening as a living pub museum,” he said.

“The building is one of the town’s most important buildings and venues for meetings.

“There are also plans to run crafting workshops in the evenings and some weekends as my wife Frances is very talented in creating home furnishings and general craft gifts such as homemade greetings cards and labels.

“If someone wants to run language classes here then that would be great, we can then learn practically how to order our beer, wine and food in the local language when on holiday.

“Final plans have yet to be decided on what to do here and they will be shaped by and depend upon the outcome of the licensing process.”

Though the Old White Lion served drinkers for many years, Paul insists that it will not become a traditional pub again.

“We do not want to have lots of late night revelry and drunkenness, there are other more suitable places for that,” said Paul.

“We want a hobby centre and B&B where you can have a quiet drink and socialise.”