A popular Lancashire pub is set to close for six weeks as work begins on a £1 million refurbishment that owners say will create new jobs and transform the venue into an all-day destination.
The Hesketh Arms in Rufford will shut after service on Sunday, September 27, before reopening on Monday, November 9, following the first phase of the major investment project.
The makeover will see the Georgian pub refreshed throughout while retaining its historic features.
Plans include a new family-friendly outdoor area, a separate outdoor dining terrace and the installation of a pizza oven in an open kitchen where customers will be able to watch their food being prepared.
The redevelopment will also see the pub expand its dining offer, with food being served throughout the day from noon.
Hesketh Arms general manager Dave Welding, who has worked at the pub for more than a decade, said the changes would build on what already makes the venue popular with locals.
He said: "The addition of pizzas to our menu of pub classics and specials of seafood and seasonal dishes is something we're very excited about."
"It's an evolution, not a revolution."
"We're not changing what makes us the hub of this community. We're adding a proper dining offer to what's already a great local."
"We've 160 covers to play with, which means we can have dedicated areas for both diners and drinkers. Three open fires for winter, floor-to-ceiling windows for summer and quiet corners for coffee, laptops and catching up. Everyone is welcome."
The reopening in November will mark only the first phase of the project, with a second phase planned to add 10 bedrooms and allow the pub to offer overnight accommodation.
The investment is also expected to create a number of new jobs, with recruitment already under way.
Mr Welding said: "A roaming head chef to support our opening and other projects at our sister pubs, additional managers as well as front-of-house and kitchen team members are all being recruited for this exciting relaunch."
"Anyone interested in a career with us can visit our website or come along to our recruitment evening at Rufford Village Hall on October 7 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm."
The refurbishment represents the largest single-site investment made by pub operator SPC, which owns the Hesketh Arms along with five other pubs across Lancashire and Yorkshire.
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SPC founder and managing director Joycelyn Neve said the project had been in development for several years.
She said: "This refurb has been a long time coming; it's been planned very carefully to make the most of the space we have at the pub, inside and out."
"It's our first big project in a few years; the Hesketh Arms is a beautiful property and we're incredibly excited for the refurbishment."
"As well as phase two for the Hesketh, we're actively looking for new sites for next year."
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