A POPULAR Acomb pub has reopened after a quarter of a million pound makeover.

The Quakerwood, on Acomb Wood Drive, has been refurbished with a new bar, dining area and a total of seven high definition televisions as well as a three-metre projection screen for sports fans to watch the latest fixtures.

The pub shut for 17 days while the interior was overhauled and since it reopened its doors again on February 8, landlords Neil Prior and Jaye Lock said customers have been full of praise for the building’s new look.

Neil said: “It’s much more open now and the atmosphere is great. We are expecting to be busy for the Six Nations this weekend, the televisions are very good for any sporting event but we are still a Flaming Grill, not just a sports bar.

“We are a premium pub, with craft ales, 20 different gins and food like our popular double dipped rib eye steak.

“The Quakerwood has always been popular with Acomb locals, so we are really excited to be able to provide an even better place for guests to enjoy great food and drink, as well as watching all of the best sporting events.

“The opening was a real success, with everyone commenting on the fantastic revamped interior and improved drinks range. We look forward to welcoming loyal and new guests over the coming months, to what we hope will be a second home for the residents of Acomb and surrounding areas.”

Eight new jobs have also been created at the business following the revamp.

The makeover includes a different colour scheme, fittings, tiling and flooring as well as new booth seating and bar furniture.

Neil said the refurbishment was a great way to celebrate two successful years at The Quakerwood, which reopened exactly two years after he took over the pub with his partner.

He said another screen is being installed outside the pub for customers to enjoy watching the World Cup while enjoying the weather this summer.

The pub, which has a capacity for 250 people, has a separate dining area and is serving specialist ales including Brewdog Punk IPA and Hop House 13, and Neil said The Quakerwood is the only branch to be selling craft beer Camden Hells.

The pub is part of Flaming Grill, operated by Greene King, and the company currently manages 3,000 pubs across the country, employing about 43,000 people.