A POPULAR pub at the heart of a Worcestershire village has re-opened under new management after a £500,000 makeover.

The Chequers – formerly known as The Old Chequers - at Crowle was taken over by the CD Pub Co based in Warwickshire and has been closed since November for a major refurbishment.

The 120-seater pub restaurant has now reopened after benefitting from a new roof and increased electricity supply while the interior design has been created by using a palette of rich colours with tartan fabrics and furnishings to bring the pub’s new style and décor to life with a contemporary twist.

The CD Pub Co has taken The Chequers on a 20-year lease and it becomes the fourth gastro-pub under its management and a sister eatery to award-winning The Forest pub at Feckenham. The Forest recently won the coveted Les Routiers Food Pub of the Year 2016 award.

The company says The Chequers offers a relaxing environment with the emphasis on great food using the finest ingredients for home prepared menus and giving value for money.

It describes the menu as Anglo-French cuisine which includes a showcase cheeseboard with a wide selection of locally-sourced speciality artisan cheeses and a Swiss-style cheese fondue as a sharing starter.

Operations director of the CD Pub Co Charles Harris said the whole team was thrilled with the response from villagers and new customers to the pub’s new look, ambience, food and bar service.

The pub group is well known for its Aubrey Allen range of dry-aged steaks and The Chequers also offers variety from both the sea and farm to the plate.

There is also a wide range of local beers and cask ales available to complement a full range of spirits and wines from around the world, offered by the bottle or glass.

Charles said: “We’ve had the most amazing feedback from customers since the launch, which is particularly welcome and a real boost after such an intensive 16 weeks’ full scale works programme.

“This included a new roof and an increased electrics supply to the pub, as well as the stylish refurbishment of the pub, both inside and out, with new flooring and new dining areas offering both comfort and style in spacious surroundings.

“Extensive parking also provides a welcoming first impression and is an added bonus with over 100 spaces.”

He added: “The chance to introduce our successful formula to the village of Crowle for great food, at great value in a great atmosphere is very exciting and we’ve already started to become an integral part of village life.”

More than 20 new jobs have already been created by the refurbishment of The Chequers, but that number is set to increase during the warmer summer months as the focus extends into al fresco dining on the patio and gardens that surround the pub.