A PUB in Thatcham has reopened following a vast refurbishment worth £196,000.

Based in the hear of Thatcham town, The Crickets pub has bowled the community over by its new look.

With live sports shown daily and a host of entertainment planned in the coming weeks and months, guests, old and new, are being invited to enjoy a drink and take in the pub’s new-look.

The Crickets is operated by Matt Denness and Jackey Obrien, who are both local to the Thatcham area.

Having run the Crickets together for the past six years, and Jackey working at the pub for a total of 14 years, their partnership has got stronger following the investment.

Jackey said: “Crickets has become home for Matt and I over the past six years. We’ve loved getting to know every single one of our guests, and we’re really excited for what the future will bring. It’s been fantastic to reopen the doors and let all of our regulars see the changes that have been made to their favourite local.”

The investment has also seen the addition of both BT and Sky Sports showing across the pub's six large TVs.

Elsewhere in the pub, a new illuminated dartboard has been installed for guests to enjoy some friendly competition. The pub is also due to start hosting music entertainment over the coming months, introducing new karaoke and discos nights.

Guests can also enjoy the last of the summer sun in the pub’s beer garden, which has seen the addition of new festoon lighting and a brighter, fresher look to match the rest of the pub’s transformation.

Jackey added: “Now that we have sports showing on our TVs daily, along with our new look, we think there is no better place for locals or passers-by to spend an afternoon and evening with friends and family.

“This really is a new chapter for the pub. We would love to welcome our guests, old and new, to see the changes and to enjoy a drink with us.”

The Crickets is part of the Craft Union Pub Company.