FORMER town residents have returned to their roots to bring a historic building back to life.

The historic Grade II-listed former coaching-inn, The Three Eagles on Bridge Street in Llangollen has undergone extensive renovation work in the last few months.

But it is not just the ancient stone and mortar that have been under construction as an impressively-talented, award-winning management team have been assembled.

The majority of this new team originates from the area, with almost all having attended Ysgol Dinas Bran.

Until now many had spent years plying their trade away from the town – some even internationally.

But the attraction of becoming a part of such a prestigious project proved too much to resist and has brought the team members back to their roots.

Heading up The Three Eagles team is general manager, Amy Cross.

A local farmer’s daughter, Amy has worked in the hospitality industry since her university days in Liverpool. Having worked her way around the beautiful mountains, lakes and coastline of Wales, she brings more than years of award-winning experience to the table. Amy spent the last three years in Ireland, leading an award-winning restaurant through its launch in the capital, Dublin.

She has a track-record of launching a number of new fine dining restaurants, achieving recognition in the Michelin Guide having fronted a restaurant by two-Michelin-Star chef, Michael Caines MBE.

Amy said: “It’s such an exciting time not just for the Three Eagles but for Llangollen and North Wales tourism as a whole. The Three Eagles will provide Llangollen with such an important boost for the local economy and it is a real privilege to be part of this journey from the very beginning.

“With the venue’s inception, some excellent career opportunities have been created. It’s the vision and commitment to a better Wales that the Three Eagles represents that has drawn these high flyers home, resulting in the creation of a first-class team. What we’re hoping will be key to our future success is the continued development of our staff.”

Amy joins experienced international chefs, Adam Gaunt-Evans and Oliver Potter at the Three Eagles

Assistant managers, Nicole Farrell and Kim Watson also come with their own expertise.

Nicole has been a major driving force behind the continued success of the exclusive Llangollen wedding venue, Tyn Dwr Hall whilst Kim has previously been working in a managerial position for a nationally-recognised gastro pub/restaurant chain.

Fellow assistant manager, Harry Hickson, from over the border brings years of managerial experience and has travelled the globe as far as Australia building on his wine knowledge.

For the Three Eagles owners Matt and Vicky Jones, the concept of the venue has always been about showcasing the very best elements of Llangollen and the surrounding region.

They have recruited a team who have all emerged from the town.

Matt said: “When we set out in the beginning, it was very important to us that we created opportunities here in Llangollen – first and foremost for Llangollen people. And that is exactly what the Three Eagles has done.

"The team have come home to take on this exciting project with us and I think that should give some indication as to just how impressive the Three Eagles is going to be.”