A POPULAR Bromley Cross pub will reopen at the end of this month with plans for a fresh start.

The Railway, in Chapeltown Road, closed on Saturday after more than five years as a music venue welcoming the likes of Kiki Dee and Wilko Johnson.

But the drinking hole will not be closed for long as new operators are already in place and will be taking on a role as interim managers.

Owners Stars Pubs and Bars also have plans to refurbish the building and turn it into a pub to "attract the daytime trade and create a new food offer".

A spokesperson for the Heineken-owned company said: “The Railway Bromley Cross has closed for a few weeks to allow new operators to give the pub a thorough clean before taking on its interim management.

"The pub will reopen at the end of May.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this temporary closure.

“Once a new permanent licensee takes on the pub, the Railway Bromley Cross will benefit from an extensive refurbishment which will create a much-needed destination pub for the whole community to enjoy.

“Star Pubs and Bars has been contacted by a number people interested in taking on the site as it’s a great pub with massive potential in a prominent location in Bromley Cross next to the train station.”

The pub celebrated its last night as the Railway Venue on Saturday with a gig by ZZ Tops, a popular tribute band. Managers Jon Hanson and his partner Hilary Howard decided to wave goodbye to the pub last year.

They blamed the closure on a loss of money due to a drop in footfall, blamed on the five-month closure of the nearby railway station for the Farnworth tunnel work, and lack of local support.

Under an investment plan published by Stars Pubs and Bars, the company hopes as imminent refurbishment will attract more custom to the area.

It will include a rebranding of the venue as The Railway Pub and Dining, with a full redecoration of the outside of the building and creation of a garden area.

There will also be a new interior décor and fixtures and fittings, including a new floor, booth and high seating areas; new bar and new fitted out kitchen.

An online petition was launched two months ago to try and prevent Star Pubs and Bars from closing Venue and turning it into an eatery.

Instead supporters wanted to pub to be kept as a space ‘dedicated to live music’ with punters enjoying seeing bands and artists perform in a ‘cosy intimate setting’.

The petition gathered more than 1,300 signatures and was just 153 signatures away from its goal when the Venue was closed.