The ‘best sports bar in the area’ is the target a railway pub has set itself as work to overhaul its interior began this week.
A six-figure sum will be spent on improving The Railway Inn, which as the name suggests is next to Yatton’s train station.
The changes are designed to modernise the pub, with traditional pub food going to be served in future.
Work on the £142,000 refurbishment initiative was due to begin on Monday.
Licensee Merran Lawrence said: “We did the garden up recently which has attracted more people to use the pub.
“They in turn have been asking if we offer food, so we decided it was time to commit to it and install a decent commercial kitchen while upgrading the pub interior.
“We also want to build on our reputation for sports and create the best sports bar in the area.
Paid-for sports television channels will be added, which will boost the sporty feel Merran has tried to reintroduce since she reinstated the skittles alley.
The inn’s interior will be changed to give it the feel of a ‘classic village local’, according to Star Pubs & Bars which owns the premises.
Carpets will be put down and a woodburner fitted, which no doubt will be a popular addition for customers this winter.
More seating will be provided, a commercial kitchen in operation and a semi-private area for pool players created too.
The function room will also be transformed to create a sports bar feel.
Neil Convery, regional operations director at Star Pubs & Bars said: “Merran has done a fantastic job turning around The Railway Inn and creating a pub that is popular with Yatton residents, commuters, walkers and cyclists.
“It’s in a great position opposite the train station and near the Strawberry Line cycle path so we’re delighted that our investment will improve the look and feel of the pub which, together with the addition of great food, will encourage more people to visit more often.”
The work is expected to last about three weeks.
To ensure a good service is maintained in the interim, a temporary bar is in situ in the function room.
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