A Leamington pub that has been closed for around a month will be given a new £250,000 look before re-opening in December.

The Haunch of the Venison on the town’s Parade had become run down after being purchased by Leicestershire brewery Everards three years ago.

However, new landlord Tony Rodia, 25, is hoping that the pub will start attracting custom from all over the town when word spreads about the face-lift.

He said:

"It is a total refurbishment of the interior, although nothing will change externally because the mock Tudor front has to be retained to comply with local planning requirements.

"The pub was not really seen as a part of the Leamington ‘scene’ prior to this refurbishment but when it reopens it will be a stylish bar called The Lounge, which should be very popular."

Family owned Everards, which has 153 pubs across the country, is expecting the work to be completed in around a month’s time, allowing the pub to be operational over the Christmas period.

Rodia, who was previously landlord at the town’s Wig and Pen pub in Park Street, is now hoping the Haunch can shake off its old fashioned reputation and start appealing to a wider customer base.

He said:

"It’s going to be a new dynamic bar, far removed from the image and traditional interior of its predecessor.

"The bar will be much lighter and spacious and will appeal to both men and women, particularly those who appreciate a fashionable and stylish environment."

The new look pub will create around 10 new positions and is one of several major town centre projects currently being undertaken by the pub operator.