A POPULAR Winchester pub has closed its doors ahead of a refurbishment, the first of its kind in nine years.

The Wykeham Arms, in Kingsgate Street, has undergone a four-week refurbishment in an effort to "refresh" the interior for its customers.

It comes after the hotel rooms above the pub had a re-touch five years ago, along with the Coach House restaurant and V&A rooms, leaving the pub looking neglected over time.

With an opening date of Wednesday, August 17, pub manager, Luke Guthrie said: "We're trying to keep the same feel of the pub but refresh it a little bit.

READ MORE: Brasserie Blanc: Winchester restaurant reopens after refurbishment

"We're not trying to modernise anything. We're just trying to refresh it after a lot of wear and tear around the pub. It's a nice place to come and have a drink. It's very sophisticated and we want to keep it that way."

The four-week project started Monday, August 8 and aims to be complete by Wednesday evening.

Mr Guthrie said: "Some parts were looking tired so we needed to upgrade to make sure that it looks nice when our customers walk in."

The listed bar has been dismantled for a clean, before carefully being put back together by a group of professionals, while giving the paintings and the rest of the bar area a clean.

SEE ALSO: Winchester family left with nothing but their ten dogs, an oil painting and a teddy bear after their bungalow caught fire

While the old school desks in front of the bar are staying, a "significant" amount of money has been spent on giving the pub a fresh look, with new flooring, paint and furniture being added.

He said: "Various things that are broken will be getting replaced. We'll be getting fresh colours, which adds a smarter look and the wooden features have been re-sanded.

"Some parts won't be new, but they'll look really looked after."