Twenty new jobs will be created by the opening of a pub with an in-house bakery and a restaurant.

The George Beard, in Gloucester Road, Brighton will be transformed by Hop Pole Ltd, with refurbishment beginning on May 8.

A restaurant will be added to the first floor and a bakery specialising in GM-free bread will open on the ground floor alongside the existing pub.

Bakery assistants, waiting staff and kitchen staff will be needed to work in the new pub and restaurant, to be renamed The Eagle.

Hop Pole Ltd, which has the Coopers Cask in Farm Road, Hove, and The Hop Pole in Middle Street, Brighton, as part of its chain, acquired the pub in February.

Dominic McCarten, owner of all three pubs, said: "This is a very exciting project for us. We've spent a lot of time researching and planning the venture and are delighted with the response from our customers at Hop Pole's other two pubs. I believe the bakery will give a new twist to a traditional style business."

Whereas the Coopers Cask and The Hop Pole have limited seating space and are unable to take bookings, the separate restaurant of The Eagle will allow customers to reserve a table in advance.

The refurbishment will focus on providing wholesome additive-free food in a "female-friendly environment." Clear glass will allow women to view the pub from the outside before deciding whether to go in.

Marketing manager Tony Leonard explained: "We think the food will also appeal. A lot of women are more discerning than the lad crowd."

The pub will shut for refurbishment from May 8 and will reopen at the end of June or beginning of July.