A PUB in the heart of Evesham will re-open its doors this weekend after a refurbishment.

The Royal Oak in Vine Street has been closed for the past two weeks while it underwent a transformation of its bar area.

Its kitchen has also been closed for three months while the pub's latest head chef, Carl Fox, created a new menu.

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A special opening will be taking place on Friday, with local dignitaries in attendance and the mayor cutting the ribbon to mark a new chapter for the venue.

Mr Fox has joined forces with the owner of the pub, Bhuban Bhala, in a bid to "change the reputation of the pub".

Mr Bhala has run the pub for the past two years.

"I have 30 years experience and come out of running my own business (Carls Kitchen)," said Mr Fox. 

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"We will be doing a tapas menu and English food with a twist while trying to use locally sourced produce.

"We want to let people know we are back operating and doing top quality food at realistic prices. 

"We are trying to return The Royal Oak to its former glory."

As well as a complete revamp of the menu and food they buy, the pub has also installed new pumps in the bar area.

"We also have a very small function room and, going forward, will do a Christmas part to the menu.

"I am very proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to show what I can do."

The Royal Oak is a 16th-century pub that also caters for birthday parties, corporate events or meetings and anniversary celebrations and is a hotel.

It has been rated 4.5 out of 5 on Google and is ranked 9 out of 63 restaurants in Evesham, according to TripAdvisor.