The Athelstan Arms on Cranleigh Road in Bournemouth has reopened following a major £420,000 transformation that has completely revitalised the community pub.
The makeover includes new fixtures, fittings, furniture and a refreshed interior featuring nature-inspired colours and patterned wallpaper.
A new sports area now offers a pool table, darts wall and four large screens showing Sky Sports, TNT and horse racing channels.
Outside, the beer garden has been expanded to seat 150 people with new lighting, a terraced area and space for community events. The outdoor area will also feature a pop-up bar for busy occasions.
Local publican Matt England, who brings nearly 20 years of experience to the role, said it has been “fantastic watching the transformation come to life” and is looking forward to welcoming old and new customers on reopening night.
The reopening celebration begins at 7pm with a Halloween party, live DJ set, themed cocktails and games, followed by live music from SKA band The Accelerators on Saturday evening.
Matt plans to host regular entertainment including live acoustic Fridays, DJ nights on Saturdays and midweek quizzes. He will also collect food for the local foodbank and raise funds for a new defibrillator.
Proper Pubs Operations Director Matt Gurney said he was delighted to see the refurbishment completed and confident that Matt will “unlock the pub’s full potential” as a community hub.
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