A CAERLEON pub has re-opened its doors after a £180,000 investment from its owners.

The Red Lion Hotel, in Backhall Street, has been closed while the refurbishment has been carried out.

A restaurant and lounge area has been created and the pub will be serving customers from one bar instead of two.

Partners Alan Logan and Jenna Shinton and owners Punch Taverns have invested the money into the pub after taking it over in May.

Both Mr Logan and Miss Shinton had previously worked as employees at the pub.

Speaking before the opening, Miss Shinton said: “We both can’t wait to get the pub open again. Business has really picked up since we took over, we have had a number of old customers coming back and saying how good the pub is. It was in desperate need of repair but now we are ready to go and want to open up to everyone in the community.

“The food has received some really nice comments already and word seems to be getting around quick.”

Punch Taverns’ new business development manager, Chris Payne, said: “The Red Lion Hotel is part of the £ we are spending on pubs across the country and I am sure that it will become one of the area’s leading venues for both food and drink.

“The locals have been a massive help with the partners making the transition from employees to business owners.”

He added: “I wish Jenna and Alan all the best.”