A popular riverside town pub which dates back more than two centuries is set to reopen in time for the Jubilee weekend after being shut for several years.

The Hope and Anchor was a watering hole for those taking the Wye Tour more than 200 hundred years ago.

And after being shut prior to lockdown and undergoing a major refurbishment, it will finally be reopening again a week on Thursday (June 2).

It has already been serving customers in its new front garden Pavilion, offering dining, afternoon teas, coffee, cake, beer and wine.

Inside the upgraded original pub, customers will see that original features such as the old flagstones and wooden canoes hanging from the ceiling survive, plus sash windows and original fireplaces.

But the renovation includes a new bar, an open fire and new wood burner, new seating and flooring in the dining area and new toilets downstairs, so punters don’t have to walk upstairs to use the loo.

Former town mayor and businessman Harry Bramer is the man behind the overhaul after buying the dilapidated flood-hit premises.

The changes have seen the old conservatory transformed into the Pavilion licensed restaurant on the waterfront.

And last year he announced plans to restore the bedrooms in the pub and the next door B&B.

New benches and tables have also been made for the riverside garden.

A year ago as work began, Mr Bramer, who runs several popular wedding venues, said: “It’s not going to be easy. Let’s just say there has been a lot of money not spent on it over the years so the whole thing needs some tender loving care.

“It’s a lovely old building but there is a lot of work to be done. Hopefully by the early part of new year it will be back to its former glory.”