RESIDENTS have applauded the exterior refurbishment of a landmark town centre pub, with some saying that the venue "looks like the old days".
Following a dispute with a pub company and former tenants, the Newmarket pub closed its doors back in July, leaving some residents to fear for the future of the boozer.
While these fears were quashed when it was announced that Luxe Hospitality Group would be taking over the reins of the Earlestown pub, the Newmarket remained closed for several weeks as the venue was left in a condition that was "unfit to trade".
Following several hardworking weeks to complete the necessary interior works, the Newmarket was officially reopened by the Mayor of St Helens on Saturday, August 31.
With customers old and new enjoying the new Newmarket, Luxe Hospitality bosses have been putting the finishing touches on the pub's exterior in recent weeks, which was finished in late September.
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With new lighting, signage, and painting helping to improve the image of the Market Street pub, many residents have taken to social media to applaud the transformation.
Gaynor Gilchrist said the pub is "looking fabulous" while Tracy White said that the Newmarket "looks so much better". Teresa Reynolds said that the pub "looks like the old days" after the refurbishment.
Following the completion of the interior and exterior works, the downstairs function room is next on the list to be refurbished, which is planned to bring a "modern touch with state-of-the-art technology".
A new pool table and music system is also set to be installed at the Newmarket, while the pub's toilets will also be refurbished in the coming weeks.
A small food offering is also planned to start in the new year, with pub bosses aiming to improve the reputation ahead of Earlestown's incoming regeneration project.
Daniel Thompson, director and owner of Luxe Hospitality Group, said: "Business has been great [since opening], we are seeing an increase in numbers and people seem happy with the changes and the environment.
"We will continue to invest in the business to better the product and will implement a small food offering from January."
Live sports are also showcased at the Newmarket, and there are further plans to host family-friendly events, pub quizzes, and live entertainment.
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