Anticipation is rife in Farnborough as customers await the new look and new menu at one of the town’s most popular local pubs, The Squirrel.

The pub on Park Road has temporarily closed its doors whilst designers and builders spend £155,000 transforming its interior into a classic pub with a sophisticated and stylish new décor. Stone flooring, eclectic furniture, warming open fireplaces and stunning feature chandeliers will give the traditional pub a quality feel, befitting its new food-led operation.

General Manager Catriona Macgregor, will host a sneaky preview re-launch party for invited guests on Thursday 21st February. Regulars and local businesses will be invited to soak up the atmosphere and view the new look Squirrel whilst enjoying a glass or two of champagne and tasty canapés served by the team, smartly dressed in black-tie. The pub will also be welcoming a special guest during the evening, the head brewer from Tongham based craft brewery, Hogs Back Brewery who will be hosting a ‘Meet the Brewer’ question and answer and tasting event from 7pm.

The pub will then officially re-open on Friday 22nd February with a celebratory party for all.

The pub will re-open with a whole new menu, packed with classic winter pub dishes as well as several mouth watering new ones such as a delicious butternut squash and celeriac bake served with a rich tomato sauce, heritage potatoes and green beans; a Mushroom Rarebit with sautéed Portobello and oyster mushrooms, topped with a rich Davidstow cheddar sauce served on toasted farmhouse bread and a beef burger topped with chorizo and manchego cheese sauce served in a multi seed bun with beef tomato, mayonnaise, iceberg lettuce, relish and chips.

“Whilst the pub is being given its makeover, the team and I will be busy training, refreshing everything from our front of house and customer service skills to perfecting new dishes for the menu”, said manager Catriona. “We want to make sure our customers always feel special when they set foot in The Squirrel which is why we have spent time planning a sophisticated new look and menu to match. Our aim is to maintain our friendly local feel but build on that reputation by introducing a fantastic range of high quality food and drink, so we are known for exceptional food and service too.”

Great choice of quality locally sourced cask ales will be available as well as some nationally recognised award winning beers. The Squirrel will also have a wider choice of wines perfect for matching with the new dishes.

“We intend to keep our menus new and interesting so just two weeks after we re-open we will be introducing our Spring menu choices. Several of the classic pub dishes, such as hand-battered haddock and chips will remain on the menu, but we will be bringing in some summery alternatives too. With each big menu change we will host a VIP night for our customers to enjoy some tasters of it. Our first such night, after our launch week, will be in early March”, continued Catriona.

“Our customers will notice quite a big change and I can’t wait for them to set foot into the pub to see it. We have several new offer nights planned too, from 50% off food on Mondays, to a grill night on Tuesdays. Every Wednesday will be gourmet burger night when our tasty freshly grilled burgers will be just £7.95. And Thursday’s spice and quiz night is definitely not to be missed. We will also have a fantastic range of new wines and cocktails to choose from and a regular Sunday Roast offer at just £8.95,” she added.