One of Huntingdonshire's oldest pubs that had been closed since September 2021 has reopened with a new landlord and landlady after a £230,000 makeover.
The Royal Oak, in the centre of St Ives, is once again welcoming punters after a renovation by pub owner Greene King.
The historic pub, which opened in the early 1500s, will be run by local hospitality operators Rodger Scotton and Justine McKenzie, who also run Slepe Hall Hotel in St Ives and The Windmill pub in Somersham.
A spokesperson for Greene King said: "The Royal Oak is one of the oldest pubs in St Ives and is full of charm and character.
"The £230,000 makeover of the pub has retained this charm, while bringing it in line with more modern trends and tastes."
The pub now has new seating, including booths, a new paint scheme, new lighting, pictures and other decorations.
The bathroom facilities have also been upgraded and several open fireplaces within the pub have been revamped.
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The pub will serve craft lagers and ales, which will include showcase ales and lagers from small brewers across the UK on a rotational basis.
It will also serve cheeseboards and ploughman’s lunches.
With The Royal Oak's reopening, up to 10 jobs are being created and the pub is hiring for many of these roles.
Lee Jarvis, business development manager for Greene King Pub Partners, said: “I am delighted to see the Royal Oak reopen and back to its best.
“Our £230,000 investment has transformed the pub into a great spot for the people of St Ives to enjoy.
“I am also really pleased to be partnering with Rodger and Justine to run the new-look pub.
“As locals themselves, they know exactly what the people of St Ives want and have success running hospitality businesses in the area.
“It’s a really exciting time for everyone."
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