A POPULAR pub has been utterly transformed by a dramatic makeover in just two weeks with the end result so 'amazing' it left the general manager 'gobsmacked'.
The Crown in Wychbold, near Droitwich is scarcely recognisable after a £160,000 makeover. New furniture, wallpaper and flooring are just some of the changes at the Maston's pub on the A38 near junction 5 of the M5.
Keiran McAteer, the general manager, has been based at the pub since January and has been impressed by the pub's beautiful new look. Despite the new modern feel, there is still more than a nod to tradition with old photos featuring scenes from Wychbold's past.
The 34-year-old said: "It looks amazing. I was just gobsmacked when I first saw it. The change is like the difference between night and day."
A soft opening was held today (Sunday) ahead of the opening to the public on Bank Holiday Monday at noon with live music by Molly Tustin from 4pm, providing 'a chilled acoustic vibe' for visitors. 'Local heroes' were also welcomed on Sunday which Mr McAteer said reflected the pub's position as a hub within the community.
The pub has only been closed for around two weeks while the work by Macauley Jones Ltd was completed which makes the transformation all the more striking.
The pub only closed for the work to start on May 10. The beer garden, tucked away behind the pub, has also been landscaped with restored gazebos and more seating. Outside can comfortably sit around 130 people. The patio at the front has also been revamped and the outside of the pub repainted.
The Crown serves breakfast between 8am and noon, Monday to Saturday and the main menu between noon and 9pm (Monday to Saturday) and between noon and 8pm on Sundays.
The changes are not merely cosmetic - the interior has been completely overhauled says Mr McAteer who also wants the pub to become a hub for the community and families.
There will be quizzes on Thursdays at 8pm and the hope is pool and darts teams will form. A baby and toddler group already meets at the pub but it is hoped, with the work now complete, more families will want to come and enjoy the atmosphere. The group meets every Tuesday between 9am and noon.
Served by 68 parking spaces and 16 more for the hotel, the Crown is also well suited to picking up passing trade from the motorway as well as people from Wychbold itself.
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