A BURNHAM-on-Sea town centre pub and hotel has temporarily closed to the public to undergo a £294,000 renovation project in partnership with national pub operator, Punch.

The Victoria Hotel on Victoria Street is having an extensive refurbishment to the bar and six letting rooms.

Outside, the beer garden is also being improved so that it can be used all year round.

Keen to show off The Victoria’s new look to customers when it re-opens on February 16 are new publicans, Shaun and Carla McCann.

The couple has relocated from more than 150 miles  away in Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire to run the popular local. 

Shaun said he was looking forward to running The Victoria Hotel and retaining its unique charm: “The Victoria has been a welcoming local pub for many years and Carla and I are determined to ensure it stays that way,” 

“It has successful darts and skittles teams, which I’m really looking forward to getting involved with.

"I’d also like to establish new teams, such as pool and football, as well as continue our support for the local rugby team.”

Inside The Victoria will be four big screens broadcasting all the major matches and sporting fixtures.

There will be a wide choice of wines, beers and spirits. Craft and cask ale fans can choose from a range of brews, including carefully selected guest ales.  

Homemade food will be available seven days a week and special themed evenings, such as steak nights, will be on offer throughout the week. There will also be a newly installed pizza oven, serving meals to eat in or take away.

Shaun added: “We are introducing lots of new things for our customers to do and to eat and drink but everyone can rest assured that we will be keeping the warm welcome that has made The Victoria such a popular pub and hotel.”