SNEAK PEEK: Inside the new look Board Inn

One of the city’s oldest, and most popular, boozers has undergone a makeover after a £260,000 investment.

Punters will be able to check out the changes from tonight when the East Herrington pub opens its doors after being closed for three weeks for the refurbishment.

Deputy Mayor coun Doris Macknight will pull the first craft pint to mark the new open plan dining room, HD screens for live sports, a revamped beer garden and a new menu.

General manager David Martin said: “The pub already has a very good reputation and is well established, but it hadn’t changed in 20 years and really needed bringing into the 21st century.

“We’re very much a community pub and we wanted to give something back to our customers, many of whom come in every day. It’s like a second home to them.”

He added: “The pub dates back to the 1800s and is the first thing you arrive at when you come off the A19 into the city, so much so, the roundabout is known as The Board Inn roundabout, so it’s somewhere that everyone knows about.”

As well as the renovations, owners Stonegate Pub Company have also expanded the cask ale selection to include local brews such as Wainwrights Double Maxim, Marston’s 61 and Green Kings Punk IPA.

There’s also a new cocktail menu, as well as a new food menu, which includes a big burger challenge.

David said: “We’re delighted with the changes, it’s been made a lot lighter and plusher. The toilets have also been given a major makeover, which is important for customers.

“Whilst we’ve been closed there’s been a lot of interest from people walking past who are excited to see what it looks like.”

Other highlights will include a weekly line up of pool and dart competitions mid week; Monday night sport and dominoes; quizzes on Tuesdays and Thursdays; and live acoustics and bands Friday and Saturday.

Sundays will feature live sport and a roast dinner option on the menu.