Reading's The Lyndhurst sees kitchen reopen after £8k refit

It marks the second time so far this year that The Lyndhurst Bar and Kitchen, situated in Queen's Road in central Reading, has changed hands. 

In May, Rebecca Blissett took over from the previous long-standing landlords - but the pub's new direction faced backlash from regulars, with concerns that that the pub was becoming more like a sports bar.

Now The Lyndhurst has welcomed new manager Jim Kelly - who is looking to become a long-term landlord with big plans to turn the venue into a community pub. 

Jim was brought in by owners Stonegate to boost the pub's fortunes - as Jim and his team have done for 14 other pubs from London to Cardiff over the last three years. 

The landlord said: "I have been in the pub trade since I was 16. 

"My team and I come into a pub that isn't doing very well and get it back to how it should be. 

"We have done so many, so now it's time for us to stay and reap the benefits. 

"The regulars have come back and are really happy.

"This is a community pub. It's been such a good pub for the last 10 years."

The pub has now reopened its kitchen after an £8,000 refit, with a new menu for customers. 

Dishes on offer include 'pie of the moment' for £15, oriental vegan burger for £14, and daily specials from 'butchers block cuts'.

Sunday Roasts are set to resume on Sunday, November 17. 

Pub quiz's are also set to resume the same evening, starting at 7pm with £2 entry putting you in the running for a cash prize.

More regular live entertainment is also on the cards, according to James.

The venue is looking to recruit six members of staff to fill roles in the waiting, bar, and kitchen teams. 

Earlier this week, more than 200 hospitality bosses wrote to the chancellor Rachel Reeves to warn that a sharp increase in National Insurance contributions were 'unsustainable' - and would lead to venues slashing jobs and shutting within a year.