A former Newbury sports bar is set to reopen this Autumn following a massive refurb.

The Coat and Bear, located on Bartholemew Street, was taken over by the Gastropub Heartwood Collection - an award-winning collection of cosy pubs and atmospheric brasseries.

After temporarily closing, it is set to reopen as part of its plans to grow to more than 60 inns and brasseries by June 2027.

According to Heartwood, the newly-named Coat and Bear will have a spacious dining room with space for around 160 seats, a bar and 26 bedrooms.

The newly developed building includes a Regenecy-era frontage with high ceilings, and a private courtyard for customers and guests to enjoy.

The new pub, which is noted, as ‘temporarily closed’ on Google is currently going through renovations.

The pub is currently on the lookout for an experienced General Manager to lead an enthusiastic team at the new Newbury pub.

Richard Ferrier, CEO, Heartwood Collection, said: "We are incredibly excited to be opening the Coat and Bear in the Autumn. We are on site now and the designs are fantastic. We cannot wait to get going!"

The Chronicle has contacted Heartwood Collection for more information on the opening date.