A PUB has reopened its doors after undergoing a six-figure refurbishment and increasing its outdoor capacity from 162 to 312 covers.

The Monkhams, in Buckhurst way, closed in late October and has now reopened as a Greene King pub after previously being owned by Hungry Horse.

Recruitment is now “complete” at the pub, with the local community being included in positions in both “the front and back of house”, creating 25 jobs.

Paul Warren, general manager of The Monkhams explained how “excited” the pub team was for the reopening.

He said:  “The revamp has brought a whole new lease of life to the pub, and we’re confident that customers will love our improved facilities and new and improved offering."

Gazette: Fresh - A new coat of paint and soft furnishings have been addedFresh - A new coat of paint and soft furnishings have been added (Image: Greene King)

The new garden area now has a “pergola area” – meaning an outside framework which provides some shade – as well as two TV screens, seating and “festoon mood and heating”, meaning a chain of lights and heating.

The inside of the pub is now a “mostly a open layout” divided into sections by colour and the décor has been updated with a bright colour palette and soft furnishings.

Gazette: Space - The mostly open-plan layout gives customers more spaceSpace - The mostly open-plan layout gives customers more space (Image: Greene King)

The pub offers Sky and TNT Sport (the new name for BT Sport) and is also dog-friendly.

Customers who download the Greene King sport app can also enjoy a free drink when they sign up as well as “10 per cent off all drinks” an hour before, during, and after any sports game.

The Monkhams also has a new menu, with mango and lime tacos, nacho sharers, and salt and pepper squid being served in “small plates”, while steak, pies, and fish and chips are also available.

Gazette: Seating - The pub's outdoor covers have increased from 162 to 312 coversSeating - The pub's outdoor covers have increased from 162 to 312 covers (Image: Greene King)

There is also a Christmas Day menu, featuring a “four course banquet” worth £49.99.

With a games night every Monday, a weekly quiz night every Friday, and further regular events, manager Paul Warren said: “The Monkhams will remain a central pillar in the local community and we look forward to welcoming both new and old customers to try out our new offering.”