A POPULAR Northwich pub will reopen as a chop house this summer following a £210,000 refurbishment.

Work on The Bowling Green began last week in preparation for its reopening on June 3.

The London Road pub has been closed since February after the owners, Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars, found new operators to run the pub following its transformation.

Dean Elms and Josh Davison are the new licensees of the pub, which will serve food all day.

The Bowling Green will serve modern contemporary British pub food with the emphasis on a chop house, where meat will be salted, cured and butchered on-site.

Customers will be able to order their meats to spec, from the size of the cut to how it is cooked.

Dean said: “There is great produce in the Cheshire area and we’re keen to promote it.

“The investment will bring The Bowling Green into the 21st century and transform the tired looking pub into somewhere people can relax, enjoy themselves and be proud of.

“The pub will continue to host community events such as quizzes and live music, helping to maintain its community spirit.

“Josh and I intend to be fully involved with the running of the Bowling Green, taking on the role of a traditional landlord, acting as the face of the pub.

“We want to be friends to our customers and will work alongside staff to create a fantastic warm and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.”

The pub will support Cheshire breweries such as Merlins Brewery, Sandiway Ales and Mobberley Ales.

The interior of the pub will be opened up to create one big bar with French doors leading out onto a newly-terraced garden.

Tailor-made picnic hampers will be available for people to enjoy in the garden or by the river.

David Pritchard, operations director for Star Pubs and Bars, said: “The Bowling Green is in a great location on the main road into town.

"It’s the ideal spot to drop in when shopping or going to the cinema or to enjoy its fabulous riverside location.

"Josh and Dean are experienced publicans and know Northwich well, so we’re delighted to be investing in helping them to create a great town pub.

“Heineken is a passionate supporter of the great British pub and is investing £20 million this year in pubs like The Bowling Green to help them deliver excellent quality, attract customers and thrive at the heart of their communities for years to come.”