A PUB that has sat empty for more than a year will soon reopen after a £350,000 makeover.

Former boozer The Raglan, is to re-open next month under a new name.

The public house on Denmark Street, Wokingham, was bought by Big Smoke Brew Co, who have invested thousands of pounds to give a fresh look to the historic building.

ALSO READ: Wokingham: Joy Liddiard and Beverly Taylor jailed for stealing £300,000 from Simpson Springs and Pressings

The re-opening of the 180-year old pub, reportedly named shortly after the Crimean War, has not been given a specific date however is expected to be fully open by mid-March.

Rich Craig, who launched Big Smoke Brew Co with his business partner James Morgan in 2014, said: “We really like the town and we think it’s got a great feel.

“It’s got the right demographic for us and we feel we can bring something a little bit new and different to the area.

“We’ve got a lot of confidence in the area especially with the redevelopment that’s going on in the town centre. It’s a great time to move to the town.

“The Lord Raglan will offer people a modern pub in a fairly traditional setting.”

ALSO READ: Bracknell solicitors Wilson and Berry has been closed down by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

The pub, which will once again use its original name ‘The Lord Raglan’, hopes to 'integrate with Wokingham’s vibrant restaurant and bar culture’, as well as selling artisan products from the local area.

He added: “We’re already planning to partner with local breweries Siren and Elusive, which are based in Finchampstead, and also Double-Barrelled who are in Reading.

“We’re always looking to strike up new relationships, and we’d love to collaborate with people from across the area who are producing something unique, and not just beer.

“Pubs are about community and it’s one thing that we’re very mindful of. We want to find out what makes the area tick and become a part of it.”