A new year brings a new look for the Bear in York Street in Twickenham. The pub closed on Sunday 13th January where it will undergo an investment of over £150,000. The Bear, owned and operated by the Stonegate Pub Company, will reopen to the public at 10am on Wednesday 23rd January.

Jason Tucker, general manager of the Bear will be hosting a celebratory VIP party from 6.00pm on Tuesday 22nd January where the team will showcase the new-look pub as well as providing entertainment including music from The Sugar Band, a three-piece jazz band and a magician to delight and surprise guests. Canapés demonstrating some of the mouth watering dishes on the Bear’s menu will also be available to sample.

As a result of the investment, the team at the Bear will be looking to recruit four people to the business; two members for the kitchen team and two for the front of house.

Planned changes for the Bear include new external signage and a change of colour scheme to create greater impact on York Street. Inside the pub, additional tables and chairs will be introduced to cater for customers dining at the Bear along with a lighter and brighter colour scheme, new carpeting throughout and an improved heating system to ensure a cosy, warm pub at every visit.

The Bear recently introduced a large 8ft projector screen to show the variety of matches broadcast by Sky Sports and ESPN and, as part of the investment, a retractable blind will be installed to ensure that the light that floods into the pub doesn’t hinder the very best in sports viewing.

Speaking about the refurbishment, Jason said: “What a great start to 2013! The team and I are delighted with the investment plans and are confident that it will position the Bear as one of the best pubs in Twickenham in terms of food, drink and environment.

“The Bear is a chameleon operation because we have quality food menu at value for money prices across a wide selection of dishes and, at the weekend, we are known for providing a party atmosphere with the help of our resident DJ and creating nights to remember.

“We have a fantastic food offer with a number of money saving deals to make the pennies go even further. For example, we have Grill Nights every Tuesday where you can get a steak and a drink starting from £7.75 and Wednesday is our Spice Night where you can get a range of curries starting at £6.95. Another of our food promotions include two meals for £9.95 on selected dishes and two desserts for £4.95, both of which are available all day, every day.

“We’ll also be enhancing our drinks range to encompass world beers, ciders and cask ales including Estrella Damm, Hoegaarden, Aspall Cyder and Green King IPA.

“We’re hoping that the refurbishment will attract a new customer base as well as giving an improved offer for our regulars. Our vision for the Bear is to offer the residents and visitors to Twickenham a pub that they can visit on a range of occasions and a pub that provides the very best in customer service and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.”