A SOUTHAMPTON pub is set to close this weekend for a refurbishment.

The Regent’s Park Hotel, Regent’s Park Road, will close after last orders on Saturday for a £412,000 refurbishment by Heineken. owner Star Pubs and Bars. and local pub operators, the Healy Group.

The pub will be closed for five weeks and will be renamed The Regent’s Park.

Ten new jobs will be created on the back of the investment.

Marion Healy, from the Healy Group, said: “We took over the pub a few years ago with a view to taking it to the next level with significant investment.

“It now has that in place and as a result will offer something different for the area.

“Up until now, residents and local workers have had to travel to enjoy what they’ll now have on their doorstep.

“We’re very much looking forward to opening the doors once the refurbishment has taken place and to creating a community pub that locals can be proud of.”

Neil Convery, regional operations director for Star Pubs and Bars, said: “We’ve worked with the Healy’s for many years. They’re great operators.

“They know Southampton really well, have high standards and a real understanding of what people want.

“They’ve turned around the Regent’s Park since taking it on, but it needs to ongoing investment to ensure it keeps pace with changing consumer needs and stays relevant to the community it serves.

“We’re delighted to be investing in the Regent’s Park with the Healy’s to create an outstanding local in the area.”

When it reopens in mid-May, the pub will offer a combination of food, coffee, BT and Sky Sports and live entertainment, as well as craft beers and other drinks.

Revellers can expect to see a more spacious open plan feel inside, which will also include a games area with TVs and a pool table, a main bar and lounge area, and a function space.

Outside, The Regent’s Park will be painted in black, blue and white with new signage, lighting and planters.

The garden area is also going to be extended.

Southampton born Lee Slaymaker will be taking over as manager.