Big makeover planned for East Ilsley pub

Owners Punch Taverns will carry out work at the pub, in Compton Road, over the next two months, with the end of November pencilled in as a re-opening date.
The pub will retain its 17th century coaching house character with the additions of an open fireplace and exposed oak beams.
It will also get new furniture, fittings, courtyard and signs, to give it a fresher look and feel.
The dining area will be opened up to strengthen the focus on food a new premium food menu will be created, featuring a selection of British and Mediterranean dishes.
The letting rooms will be all be upgraded, each one individually designed with bespoke digital wallpaper using images of the local area, such as the Newbury Racecourse and Donnington Castle.
A new team will be behind the bar to complement the new look, with operators Redcomb Pubs Ltd, who already manage five Punch Taverns’ pubs across the south east.
Punch Taverns partnership development manager Richard Pask said the plans looked good.
“Previously, the pub was looking tired and in need of some TLC. The refurbishment will give the pub a new lease of life, not only in the way it looks, but by serving premium food and drink as we intend to reposition it as a destination pub for dining.
The pub closed in December when the previous owner decided to retire.