THE Royal Oak Branch has unveiled its new look after a major refurb.

Particularly striking among the updated features is the Knutsford Road pub’s frontage which has been completely transformed in a shade of a dark blue with copper coloured lettering which is lit up at night.

Couple Ben Kennedy, 24, and Steph Bosson, 23, took over the running of the Bravo Inns-owned pub in early December with the work beginning in early February.

The main bulk of the project took around a month with the old bench seating removed to make way for new furniture.

Remaining seats were all reupholstered and there are also new carpets and wallpaper.

Features like new mirrors have been added while tiles have been kept to retain the pub’s character.

Ben said: “Bravo Inns has put some money into the building and given it an absolute refurb inside and out.

“I think it’s brilliant. It was needed as the pub has not had any work done for about 10 years so there was definitely room for improvement.”

Steph said: “The outside has been completely re-done with new signage.”

Ben added: “When the lights go on at night it looks brilliant.”

The couple moved from Morecambe to take up the opportunity of running the pub.

READ > Orford pub set to be demolished and replaced with block of flats 

Ben said: “This is our first pub together. Steph has experience in the industry with food and I worked in a social club.

“We want to combine the two as we want to start doing food here as well. We’re looking at some simple snacks like toasties and pies.

Warrington Guardian:

“People have been very welcoming. It’s definitely a locals’ pub.

“There are people who have been drinking here for 10 or 15 years. Some people even know the Royal Oak from as far back as the 1960s.

“But we’ve also seen some new faces. People have come in as they’ve been interested by the refurb.”

Steph added: “It’s bringing a few younger people in as well.”

The Royal Oak Branch has also recently extended its beer and gin selection.

There are around 10 varieties of gin to choose from.

The couple also want to introduce more entertainment at the pub including live music.