A READING pub has reopened following a half-a-million pound transformation.
The Rose & Thistle has been closed for two years following the start of the pandemic, but is finally welcoming customers once again.
On Thursday, November 24, the venue opened its doors to show punters the results of the £500,000 investment made by its owners, Greene King Pub Partners.
A complete renovation of the venue’s interior has brought it up to date with a modern look, and the beer garden has been fitted with beach huts and outdoor seating.
As well as an overhaul of the venue itself, the renovation has created 12 new job positions and promises to see a regular calendar of events, including live music and karaoke.
Paul Antony Billington, franchisee of The Rose & Thistle said: “After two years of closure, I am delighted to have brought this much-loved local back to the community– creating 12 new jobs in the process is the icing on the cake.
“£500,000 has been spent transforming the pub giving it a new lease of life– it looks absolutely incredible.
“The Rose & Thistle has always been a community pub and I want to keep it that way.
“Everyone from the community is welcome be it for great pub grub, drinks or watching the sport with a pint.”
Alex De Araujo, business development manager at Greene King Pub Partners, said: “I am so happy to see the Rose & Thistle open once more.
“There is a real excitement and buzz about the pub again. We knew how important the pub was to the local community which is why we have invested £500,000 to reopen it again.”
