A Lancaster city centre hotel has entered its 400th anniversary year with big plans for the future.
The Royal Kings Arms Hotel on Market Street was built in 1625 and has had many stories within its historical walls over the past four centuries.
"It's a very special year," said co-owner Tony Flanagan.
"There are few businesses that have existed in one location for 400 years."
LISTEN to our interview with Tony Flanagan and manager Fred Milando


Guests at the hotel over the years have included the future King Edward VII and legendary writer Charles Dickens.
The hotel was rebuilt in the Victorian era following a fire, then fully refurbished again in a multi-million pound renovation completed two years ago.
Recently the Royal Kings Arms hosted a St Paddy's Family Fun Weekend to celebrate St Patrick's Day, and has plans in the works for a similar event to mark St George's Day next month.
Tony said: "Our 400th anniversary year is an amazing story and we will do something later in the year for that, with events still to be planned.
"Everybody told me, when I first came here, that the Royal Kings Arms was really important in their family. It was the place to go.
"So many people had their first kiss, their first dance, and celebrated their family events here. That's what we really want to be all about. We want to make it part of Lancaster and the community."


Lancaster pupils turn 'creative history detectives' to celebrate life of art pioneer
Delight at Morecambe social club as theme park legend Frontier Fred drops in
Roads closed as gas mains upgrade work underway in Lancaster
Beyond Radio 10th birthday: How it all began
Morecambe social club to close for urgent safety works
44 new homes on land close to Lancaster city centre given thumbs up
Campaign launched by Overton villagers to save popular postman
Silverdale and Arnside protected landscape awarded £1m lottery funding
New technology aims to improve efficiency and patient experience in Morecambe Bay’s hospitals
Morecambe FC to allow fans to drink alcohol in view of pitch during matches
Calls made for "clear alternative" when Lancaster Library shuts for months
Paintings from Lancaster based artist go on display at Masterchef star’s restaurant
LISTEN: Police cadets and artists begin work on new mural to spruce up Lancaster crime hot-spot
Lancaster Canal may have to temporarily close due to low water levels
Royal Lancaster Infirmary staff climb Lake District peaks to support hospital charity
Police and partners step up efforts to tackle business crime in Morecambe
Light Up Lancaster promises to illuminate city with ‘No Boundaries’
Time running out to have your say on new waste strategy in Lancaster district
Beyond Radio 10th birthday: Special live radio show celebration announced
REVIEW: Hilarious Robin Hood park show in Lancaster hits the bullseye for laughs

