A Woolmer Green pub is undergoing an extensive refurbishment ahead of its grand re-opening next month.

Works at The Chequers, in London Road, include a newly configurated dining space and bar area, a refurbished outdoor dining area and a refreshed external signage to finish the new look.

New general manager Greg Knox said: “I'm incredibly excited to be reopening The Chequers. After seeing the plans for the site, it was an opportunity I simply couldn't refuse. I understand how much the pub means to Woolmer Green and surrounding communities and want to give them a pub they can be proud of.

"I’m looking forward to meeting the locals and providing them with a destination where they can feel at home and part of The Chequers family.”

The pub itself dates back to Tudor times and was famously visited by highwayman Dick Turpin. It once boasted a range of animals in its beer garden including goats, meerkats and marmoset monkeys.

Shirley Couchman, retail director with the pub's owners Wells & Co. said: “It’s an exciting time for us at Wells. We refurbished and opened four houses pre-Christmas and the reopening of The Chequers will take us to 26 managed houses in the UK with a further three refurbishments and additions following us before the summer trading period.”

The Chequers will be serving up dishes of distinction with a focus on chef’s specials as well as offering award-winning Brewpoint beers, brewed 30 miles down the road in Bedford.