WORK has begun on the Red Lion’s £240,000 new look.

The Moore pub started its five-week transformation on Monday which will create an outdoor courtyard area reminiscent of a Spanish barbecue bar in time for the May bank holiday weekend.

Outside, the pub is being given a complete facelift with new signage and lighting and substantially increasing its outdoor space.

The barns and south facing courtyard are being transformed into an all-weather alfresco dining area for up to 70 people.

This will feature covered pergolas, cushion covered seating, festoon lighting, a fire pit, heat lamps and an outdoor grill which will serve grilled chicken and meats.

The Red Lion is owned by Heineken brand Star Pubs and Bars and pub operators, Mark Condliffe and Neil Roughshedge believe it will create the best outdoor space in the area.

Meanwhile, inside the pub, two dining areas are being created including one which can be used by walkers and people with dogs.

The inside is being redecorated and new carpets, tiling and toilets are being fitted while the furniture is also being restored and reupholstered.

The pub will be closed during the first three weeks of the five-week refurbishment before the pub’s new courtyard area is unveiled.

Mark and Neil and their team will be launching a new broader menu offering home made pub classics such as steak and mushroom, seafood pasta and Mozzarella chicken in tomato sauce as well as launching afternoon teas.

Mark said: “The Red Lion is the only pub in the village. It needed investment to bring it up to date and make it more inviting.

“We’re turning some lovely unused barns and outdoor area into somewhere with a real wow factor that people will drive to to experience. It will be reminiscent of a Spanish barbecue bar with a wonderful atmosphere.”

The investment will also create an additional 10 jobs at the pub.

David Pritchard, regional operations director for Star Pubs and Bars said: “The investment will take the Red Lion to a new level and make it stand out from other pubs in the area.”