WORK gets underway next week on a £230,000 refurbishment of a Drighlington pub.

The Malt Shovel is temporary closed while the revamp, by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars, takes place.

The pub will reopen under new management at the end of March, as “a true community local “, with a variety of events and activities planned.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: An artist's impression of how the pub will look An artist's impression of how the pub will look

The pub, which will be family and dog friendly, is being taken on by Tony and Sue Ryder. Originally from Halifax, they have over 15 years’ experience in the licensed trade.

The couple plan to make The Malt Shovel a community hub. They are keen to establish pool and darts teams and support local adult’s and children’s football teams. In addition to serving coffee and drinks in the day, there will be a book corner for adults and children and crafts and board games.

Other plans include a weekly over-50s fitness morning session, a vintage afternoon, with music from the 50s, 60s and 70s, and a Monday Club with bingo, raffles and music. Tony and Sue will also be introducing monthly Northern Soul nights, ladies’ cocktail and spirit evenings, singles get-togethers, and table top sales in the beer garden in summer.

Supporting charities will be a major focus for the pub, with major fundraising weekends held three times a year.

The top-to-toe pub makeover will see the bar and sports equipped with a darts board, pool table, four high-definition TVs, high tables and stools and low-level seating.

The lounge will be refurbished and the exterior of the pub will be revamped, with rendering, new signage and lighting, and bench seating and tables for 48 in in the beer garden.

Dogs and their owners will be welcome; the revamp will include a dog station area with hooks for leads, treats, doggy bags and towels.

Says Sue: “Tony and I had our eyes on the Malt Shovel for some time so when the opportunity arose to take it on we leapt at the chance. We know people in Drighlington already and had heard that the village was crying out for a great community pub.

“The investment will give the pub a new lease of life - somewhere people will want to meet up with one another.

“We’re really looking forward to moving to the village and getting to know local residents. We’d also welcome suggestions for charities people would like the pub to support.”

Jon Kelly, Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, says: “Tony and Sue are the perfect couple to run a community village pub.

“They’re very experienced and are buzzing with ideas of how to entice people out and make The Malt Shovel the heart of the community.

I think they’ll be great for the pub and the village and wish them well.”

The refurbishment is due to be completed by the end of March.