PUB company chairman Richard Lees-Jones pulled the first pint to open the new-look Vale Royal Abbey Arms at Oakmere.

The pub has reopened following a four-week refurbishment by JW Lees, who bought the pub in December.

The company has made a significant investment to bring the pub back to its former glory, and the development has created 10 new full-time positions.

To mark the opening, Richard Lees-Jones, chairman at JW Lees, pulled the first pint with new landlord, Peter Clough, in front of a crowd of family members and pub regulars. The pub officially opened to the public on Saturday, February 11.

The internal make-over has improved the bar and lounges, brightening up the areas, with lighter colours and natural wood. The pub has been decked out with a mixture of restored and new furniture.

An area of raised decking has been built to the rear of the pub, offering guests an outdoor dining area overlooking the gardens. Extensive work has also been carried out in the kitchens to prepare for the new team of chefs.

The pub offer will focus on great hospitality, British pub food favourites and fresh, seasonal daily specials served alongside fine cask ales and a wide range of bar drinks.

The pub will also open an hour earlier, from 11am seven days a week.

Peter Clough said: “It’s been a smooth and exciting development, and the end result is fantastic. It feels like a new pub but we’ve managed to keep the character of the old building.

“The new front of house and kitchen teams have been brilliant during training, and we’re now all looking forward to doing what we do best, offering warm welcomes, hot food and great cask ale.”