WORK has started on a major £350,000 refurbishment of The New Inn in Bournheath.

It is hoped the investment, by Heineken owned Star Pubs & Bars and Bars1, and new licensees local pub operators Chad Hudson and Sarah Price, will see the pub restored to its former glory as a top quality, family friendly country pub.

The New Inn, which has been closed since the start of the year, will re-open in time for the early May bank holiday with 15 new jobs being created.

The sympathetic top to toe refurbishment of the pub will bring the pub into the 21st century whilst retaining original features like the pub’s wooden beams and open fires.

Changes will include a new lobby and opening up of the interior to create a more spacious open plan lounge and bar area, increasing seating by a third.

The pub will serve fresh home cooked food using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible with signature dishes like rabbit pie, roast pheasant and three county sausage mash.

The New Inn is local pub operators, Chad and Sarah’s, second pub.

Once established, they intend to introduce events including a regular pub quiz, summer bbqs, and bank holiday charity fundraisers.

Chad said: “We first became aware of The New Inn when we were looking for somewhere to have Sunday lunch as local pubs were always booked out.

"We could immediately see The New Inn had great potential with investment. This enables us to create a great family and dog friendly village pub for residents, walkers and cyclists to relax in.

"We’re excited by the refurbishment, which will look great, and are looking forward to getting to know the community. We hope that local residents will enjoy the new New Inn as much as we will. My brother is moving to the pub and will be managing it on a day to day basis, so it really is a family affair."

Caren Geering, Star Pubs & Bars regional operations director, said: “Chad and Sarah are experienced operators who know the area well. I wish them the best of luck with this new venture.”