A pub deemed an ‘asset of community value’ is set to welcome back punters after fears it may never reopen.

The Rose and Thistle was closed ‘until further notice’ by Greene King in 2020 due to the pandemic, sparking a 900-strong petition to save the Argyle Road venue.

Now the pub will reopen on November 24, its new owners have confirmed.

“We are all very excited to get going because from what we’ve heard this pub used to be the heart of the community,” said Kayleigh, who is set to work at the pub.

“We have taken over because my Dad, the manager, wanted a family business and he has run pubs in the past – we have all got experience working in pubs and all really enjoy it.”

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Reading Borough Council demarcated the Rose and Thistle an asset of community value on January 4, making it more difficult for its owners to sell the property to buyers outside local interests groups for a five year period.

Hopes were raised in April, when Greene King submitted a planning application to refurbish the building including a new entrance lobby, bar, toilets, pergola, decoration and outside seating pods.

A Greene King spokesperson said: “We have been searching for the right partner to reopen the pub and bring it back to its very best and will be working with our new franchisee to do this.”

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They continued:  “We plan to reopen the Rose and Thistle as one of our new Hive Pubs.

“We launched this award-winning franchise just over a year ago and it has already grown to 23 pubs nationwide.

“Hive pubs have an innovative range of drinks, a food menu with quality pub classics, year-round outdoor spaces, and regular entertainment from live sport to quizzes, music and events.”

Its new owners are looking to hire chefs and front of house staff ahead of the relaunch.