A popular 200-year-old pub has reopened following a major renovation.
The Turnpike in Yarnton reopened its doors after nearly a month of works.
Both the inside and outside have been renovated, with a brighter more contemporary take on a classic country pub, said owners Vintage Inns.
The Turnpike was built over 200 hundred years ago and was known by locals as The Bunch of Grapes.
The pub building, which dates back to the 1750s, is made of Cotswold stone with a Cotswold stone slate roof.
It was once described as ‘the finest in Oxfordshire’ by Sir John Betjeman, Poet Laureate, on one of his visits to Mr George Kolkhurst who owned Yarnton Manor.
Along with the new look, the relaunched Turnpike will now offer a brunch menu as well as lunch and dinner.
The pub will serve a selection of popular brunch dishes from 9am until midday from Monday to Saturday and from 11.30am on Sundays.
There is also a new dinner menu including freshly cooked dishes such as chargrilled skewers, stonebaked pizzas, steaks and roasts.
And guests can enjoy an extensive range of wines, gins, craft beers and cocktails.
The pub was transformed in a £1million three-month refurbishment in 2001 when the former Grapes was renamed the Turnpike.
Vintage Inns carried out a £130,000 renovation of the pub in 2011.
Following a significant investment this time, the company has created eight new full and part time jobs for local people.
The pub is looking to recruit new team members for both front and back of house roles.
General manager Alexander Sullivan said: “We’re working hard to create a truly unique and stimulating experience for our guests and are so excited to unveil the new Turnpike to the local area.
“The changes that are currently underway are all centred around creating an original country pub with a real difference.
“The new Turnpike will provide both our regulars and first-time guests with an exciting location to enjoy high-quality dining in beautiful surroundings.
“Both myself and the whole team are incredibly excited to open the doors and welcome guests to experience the new Turnpike for themselves, we hope that they love the transformation.”
The Red Lion in Yarnton closed down in the middle of August after landlady Kerry Osborne said she was forced to give up at the end of her tenancy due to falling custom and escalating costs.
Source: Yahoo News
