A POPULAR pub has reopened after four weeks and a five-figure refurb.

The Alexandra, in Albion Road, Idle, officially opened its doors to the public at 5pm on Friday, January 31.

Bev Clarkson has run the pub for two-and-a-half years, but decided that 2020 was the year to freshen it up.

Work began on January 2 and not only has the drinking hole endorsed a more modern look, it also now has a "new" name.

Mrs Clarkson agrees that the subtle change gives "power to the woman", but it also harks back to the pub's history.

She said: "It was originally called The Alexandra years ago and some previous owners changed it to The Alexander."

The refurbishment has been both cosmetic and structural in its nature, to bring the pub into the new decade.

Part of that is introducing some new lagers and beers, but the old favourites - such as Carling, Carlsberg and John Smiths - will all still be available.

Mrs Clarkson said: "When you walked in, it used to be all dark wood. It was quite a traditional type of pub.

"Now we've opened it all up, we've knocked a wall out at the end of the bar, so it's proper open plan with lighter wood.

"It's still a pub, but it's a more modern pub now, and we've got new windows."

The Alexandra is well-known for its regular clientele and Mrs Clarkson is certain they will be happy with the changes.

She said: "We haven't turned it into a wine bar. We've not gone too far modern where it will put people off.

"We've still tried to keep it as very much a boozer - it's a freshened look, that's all.

"We're very much a sport pub - our feature is, wherever you sit in this pub, you can see a TV.

"There's seven TVs and three Sky boxes, so we can play multiple games."

Drive past the pub when the sun is out - even if just for a moment - and the outdoor area next to the main road is bustling with punters.

Mrs Clarkson is hoping to build on this popularity further, now the refurb is complete.

She said: "We're hoping to attract new people too.

"Years and years ago the pub had a bad reputation as a bad fighting pub.

"Over the years, we've stepped away from that.

"Everybody is welcome, as long as they behave.

"We don't put up with carrying on - we want people to feel comfortable when they come in, wherever they're from."

The grand opening included a DJ playing music from 6pm and Mrs Clarkson admitted in the build-up to it all she had been "climbing the walls" wanting to get back into the thick of things.

Moving forward, people will be able to book party packages - with a buffet sorted free-of-charge - while Sundays will see a "Live Lounge" introduced - so new, up-and-coming local bands can be showcased.

Regular customers will also be able to take advantage of discounted drinks with a new loyalty card.

The pub is set to expand its food offering in the near future as well.

Mrs Clarkson said: "The next step is, we have a massive kitchen and we're going to refurb that.

"In the next couple of weeks we'll be introducing food.

"We already do a Sunday dinner, but we're going to create a proper menu.

"We want to be a local, community pub."