A HEREFORDSHIRE mansion that was a favourite to the stars has opened a bar as a tribute to a renowned TV comic. 

Penhros Court, near Kington, has launched Python's Arms as a nod to the late Terry Jones, who was one of the stars of the iconic sketch show, Monty Python. 

Mr Jones ran a brewery in the outbuildings, and co-owner Mark Bentham said he will be inviting the comic's son, Bill to see what it's like. 

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"We're offering him a place to stay so he can see where his dad spent his time," said Mr Bentham.

"Terry founded the brewery and was a very keen drinker himself. 

"We have got various different entities, like the Cattle Shed, and this is the last piece of the jigsaw. Ledbury Reporter: Penhros Court has welcomed many stars over the yearsPenhros Court has welcomed many stars over the years (Image: Rob Davies)

"We opened two-and-a-half weeks ago and it's exceeded our expectations. 

"It's open Thursday to Sunday but we'll be looking to open every day within the next few weeks. It's an old fashioned country pub, but the the pub and cafe are linked by a short corridor so people can have some food as well if they wish."

Mr Bentham, and his partner Laura Lane, initially thought of the idea last year. 

"We came up with the idea when we decided to have a change of use of the building and have a pub," said Mr Bentham.

"We reached out to a couple of neighbours and asked them about it - all of them were happy. We didn't have a launch date then though, it was just a concept."

Ledbury Reporter: The lounge at The Python's ArmsThe lounge at The Python's Arms (Image: Rob Davies)

Penhros Court dates back to 1280, with the Grade II listed building welcoming many stars over the years. 

Freddie Mercury was also a one-time resident, and it was reputed that members of Queen spent time there rehearsing Bohemian Rhapsody before it was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth.

Fellow band Led Zeppelin also stayed there, with lead singer Robert Plant returning years later to 'remember the good old days'.

Other celebrities to visit include Sir Paul McCartney and former US president Bill Clinton.

 

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