The Abbey pub, Dentons Green unveils transformation

The Abbey pub on Hard Lane opened its doors for a VIP launch on Monday ahead of its official reopening to the public tomorrow (Tuesday, September 3).

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Mayor Cllr Janet Johnson cut the ribbon and poured a pint to officially relaunch the pub.

Mayor Cllr Johnson with managers Kathryn and Tim Hulme

The pub, which closed for the refurbishment in May, has seen a wholesale transformation, after investment of £800,000 say brewery Joseph Holt.

Changes include a new bar, new furniture and an expanded beer garden, which spans outside the front and the side of the pub, with outside televisions and artificial grass flooring a new smoking shelter at the back.

Part of the new beer garden

The main building has seen an extension, with old outbuildings and former stables demolished.

The new extended 'Abbey' room

In the pub the rooms have been given their traditional names including the 'Abbey' front room, The Chantry room, The Crypt and the Windleshaw room near the bar.

The Chantry room with new access outside to the beer garden

The pub has more than 30 staff, with a mixture of part-time and full-time roles.

General manager of the Abbey Kathryn Hulme said they are excited to be finally opening their doors.

She told the Star at the VIP launch: "It has been a long couple of weeks but we are very pleased and we can't wait to get our regular customers in and hopefully have new customers through the door.

"We are very impressed with the outcome of the refurbishment.

"It still looks like a local pub and still feels 'oldy-worldy'.

"People can come and have a meal or after they finish work come for a pint.

"I think the Abbey room is going to be very popular, it has a very welcoming feel."