A POPULAR pub is back to its best following a £311,000 investment by national operator Punch.

The Hollingbury was closed for five weeks while renovations were under way to create a new-look interior and exterior, including the introduction of a new bar and small kitchen.

Local dignitaries, including Councillor Tracey Hill and Councillor Caroline Penn along with actor Steve Speirs, who lives nearby, joined loyal customers and publican Lianne Halstead to celebrate the transformation.

Janne Sedgwick, openings manager for Punch, said: “It was great to see the pub buzzing again with so many familiar local faces.

“The Hollingbury proudly offers all the ingredients that go into making a quality British pub; great service, a fantastic drinks range and a busy programme of sport and entertainment.

“I am confident it will continue to play a vital role in the community and has a bright future ahead.”

The pub has been remodelled to create a single bar, with zones for drinking, sports and entertainment.

The new kitchen will serve snacks.

The pub has also been redecorated throughout to create a more welcoming space for family and friends to relax, including new furnishings, flooring and toilets.

In addition, the garden has been upgraded with new furniture, lighting, fencing, planting, signage and surfacing.

The pub says it is an ideal venue for children to play in the summer months while their families relax over drinks.