A LOCAL watering hole is about to have a much-needed transformation to give it a whole new look and a brand new menu.

The Royal Oak pub in Westhoughton is getting a complete makeover this month after years of waiting.

Donna Hart, the pub's general manager, said the refurbishment will be extensive.

She said: "They are going to rip the whole pub out. We are having a new bar, a new children's area, a new restaurant.

"We are going to have a new outside seating area. It's a large patio and it's going to be covered with umbrellas so if it's raining you can still sit outside and eat. We are also going to have heat lamps.

Ms Hart said: "It has been a long time coming.

"I believe it's going to be a rustic theme, it's going to be completely different to what it is now, we are all really excited."

She added: "I have been with the company for 10 years and it has had a little paint but nothing as drastic as what they are doing now.

"It's nerve-wracking, it's going to be such a change compared to what it is now.

"We're still doing the carvery, we are well known for our carvery but we are having a new food menu and a new drink menu."

The pub, owned by Black Rose pubs, will be open until Sunday, before closing for four weeks while renovations take place.

To celebrate the brand new look, The Royal Oak will then be hosting two openings.

There will be a VIP reveal by invite only on July 11, after which there will be a grand opening on July 12 from noon where all will be welcome to take a look at the pub and try the new menu.