The Fox and Hounds in Tilehurst has announced that it will be renovating its already thriving beer garden to make it suitable for the colder winter months. 

The landlords of the pub Helen and Ian Hay, who will celebrate one year of ownership next week, are excited to reveal their plans for the new outdoor space. 

"We've been doing things at the moment which allows the garden to be used all year round," Mrs Hay said. 

"It will all be undercover which means we can have parties and functions throughout the year, it doesn't just have to be restricted to summertime."

Mrs Hay continued that the pair are really excited to open up the space so more customers can visit them at the weekends. 

She explained that the Fox and Hounds is such an old, small, traditional pub, allowing them to utilise the outdoor space all year round will be great for business. 

"We will also be providing heaters for the colder months ahead and will be making the decking area more enclosed," she said. 

On Saturday, September 21 the pub will be welcoming guests to come and celebrate their one year of ownership with a live band. 

"We just want to have a big family party," Mrs Hay said. "We just wanted to do something to say thank you to everyone for supporting us over this last year.

"We wanted to have a big event where we can all have a nice time together."

Mrs Hay went on to say that aside from the band they do have a few other ideas for fun things that will be taking place on the day, but details are not ironed out yet. 

Ian Hay said that the pair are extremely thankful for their loyal customers. 

"They have all played a part and helped out in any way that they can because they have seen just how much we have tried to give their pub back to them," he said. 

"They have tried hard to give their time to us too, as we have devoted so much of our lives to serving them."

Mrs Hay went on to say that they think it's especially important that so many people have supported them as they are an independently-owned establishment. 

"People have so much commercialism thrown their way that they want a break from that and they want somewhere where you can be relaxed and be yourself. This is what our pub is to them" she said. 

"We really do think that our pub is a home from home."