THE Goddard Arms will re-open tomorrow after its new owners ploughed £300,000 into the historic pub.

Seven new staff members have also been employed.

Thepub in High Street, Old Town, closed on March 10 and builders have been working around the clock to get things ready for the grand re-opening.

The future of the pub, which has been trading in its current location since 1820, was left in doubt in November after its owners, the Bramwell Pub Company, went into administration.

Three weeks later Stonegate Pub Company stepped in to buy the building, along with 78 other pubs and bars which had been left in the lurch.

The new owners have put in place a new menu and will focus on a selection of real ales.

George Hoare, general manager of the Goddard Arms, said: “Since we were bought by Stonegate we have gone through a complete rebranding.

“The focus is now much more on dining and better food with a brand new a la carte menu, and a great selection of real ales. The change is definitely something we have welcomed.

“We have got quite a community here in Old Town, and we think this is something that people have been asking for. This is also a great opportunity for people who may not have visited us before to be introduced to the place.

“We have taken on five full-time staff and two part-time staff, including a new chef and a kitchen porter. There was quite a lot of interest in the positions and we had a few applications to sift through.”

Dry runs took place throughout the day yesterday with family and friends to make sure everything was running smoothly ahead of the launch.

“At 5pm we will open the doors to the invite-only guests, who will be treated to a glass of Prosecco on arrival and various sharing platters,” said George. “We then open to the public at 7pm.

“We have spent so much time in anticipation that it is great to finally have the opening day here. It has been a lot of work, and we have had 60 or 70 people in here getting things ready, with builders working 24/7.

“Its such an iconic building in the Old Town and so the refurbishment has created quite an air of excitement.

“We know it won’t disappoint and we can’t wait to show off the pub’s new stylish look to our customers. While people will notice a big change we’ve been very careful to ensure we retain all the characterful period features that make the Goddard Arms special.”

The new menu will feature staples including open chicken pie, twice-cooked lamb ribs, sharing platters like a new Fisherman’s Board, and a choice of dishes under 500 calories.

Customers can book a table to dine or hotel room by calling the pub on 01793 619090 or emailing goddardarms.swindon@stonegatepubs.com.