A POPULAR riverside pub is set to to reopen after lockdown with a new look, having been extensively revamped.

The Victoria Arms in Old Marston, Oxford, will reopen its garden next month following what its owners call a ‘major refurbishment’.

The pub, beside the River Cherwell, was sold by its previous owners, Wadworth Brewery, to Liberation Group.

The Liberation Group is owned by pub-chain giant Butcombe Brewing Company.

The pub closed its doors for the second time on November 4, when England went into its second national lockdown.

Although pubs were allowed to reopen while serving a substantial meal in December, the owners made the decision to keep The Victoria Arms closed over the Christmas period.

The pub has now announced it will be reopening for outside bookings on April 14.

According to the Prime Minister’s ‘roadmap out of lockdown’, the earliest date that pubs and restaurants can open for outdoor bookings is April 12.

This is subject to a Government review of the coronavirus data on April 5.

Venues are also allowed to turn their car parks into makeshift outdoor seating spaces to maximise the number of guests and money spent at the venues.

Customers no longer have to order a substantial meal with alcohol and there will no longer be a curfew, as there was in December of last year.

The general manager at The Victoria Arms, Kevin Macinnes said: “We can’t wait to welcome our guests back on the 14th when we’ll finally get to show them the all-new Victoria Arms.

“The pub has been completely transformed inside and we’ve really gone to town outside too, creating a magical space where friends and family can catch up in a safe, secure environment.”

The pub was refurbished – both inside and out – throughout the winter.

The large garden now also has several new seating arrangements and dining tables, with heated pergolas and lights in the garden to accommodate even more people when its doors finally reopen.

Mr Macinnes added: “Our huge riverside garden will really come into its own over the next few months, until we’re able to trade inside, so we recommend booking in advance because we’re going to be busy.

“The interior of the pub has also been completely refurbished so, once we’re able, we’ll be welcoming customers inside to enjoy the new spaces.”

Pub-goers will need to book their tables in advance and make orders and payments on the Butcombe app. Current restrictions will mean that only six people can be on one table.

You can book your table for the reopening by visiting the pubs website at victoriaarms.co.uk