Inside The Horse and Jockey pub in Tylers Green after revamp

The Horse and Jockey in Tylers Green has gone through a £240,000 makeover after an overhaul by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Bars and new licensee Alex van Someren.

Now the historic establishment dating back to 1844 has been upgraded inside and out, including a new menu with pub classics, refitted kitchen and 100 more seats.

Alex, who marked her first anniversary as licensee of The Horse and Jockey, previously ran The Squirrel on Penn Street before her lease expired last year.

The new look of The Horse and Jockey (Image: Star Pubs and Bars)

She said: “The Horse and Jockey had only been open intermittently over the previous four years and a number of its customers had moved to The Squirrel. When they heard I was looking for a new pub, they asked me to take over The Horse and Jockey. It was shut at the time, and they were fearful for its future.

“They even banded together and helped clean the pub and tidy the garden. Since then, local residents have supported me every step of the way, and people tell me The Horse and Jockey is the busiest it has been in 40 years. It’s fantastic to be able to thank everyone for their backing with this refurbishment.”

Inside the newly refurbished pub (Image: Star Pubs and Bars)

Although Alex is introducing food to The Horse and Jockey for the first time, the pub was “not becoming a restaurant,” she stressed.

Friendly atmosphere and quality beer will remain the top priority in line with regulars’ and residents’ wishes, Alex said.

The Horse and Jockey is not becoming a restaurant despite the introduction of food (Image: Star Pubs and Bars)

Hungry customers can find ham, egg and chips, sausages and mash and Sunday roasts at lunchtime and in the evenings.

The external works included fresh pale grey paint, installing new lighting, signage and planting.

The fresh new interior decor (Image: Star Pubs and Bars)

The new seating area at the front caters for 50 customers while an enclosed 50-seater garden with new decking and lantern lighting is located at the back.

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Inside the pub the owners decided for a throughout renovation with traditional colours on the walls, new upholstery, carpets and lighting to match the building’s age.

The pub’s distinctive horseshoe shaped bar, cosy nooks, old beams, open fire and a collection of horse brasses have all been retained.

There will be water and free treats for customers' four-legged friends (Image: Star Pubs and Bars)

Four-legged customers have not been forgotten either – there will be bowls of water, free dog treats and an outdoor water barrel.

Alex added: “I fell in the love with The Horse & Jockey as soon as I walked in. It’s my ideal pub – a beautiful old building in a lovely part of the world with a welcoming community around it. It looks gorgeous now the work has been done. It’s so exciting to be finally opening the doors and showing everyone the changes.”

Licensee Alex van Someren has big plans for the much-loved village pub (Image: Star Pubs and Bars)

The pub is believed to have been formed of three cottages, which were converted into a pub called The Horse and Groom in 1844.