A national family-run pub and brewery chain has returned home to roll out a new type of pub experience in Knighton.

The Cradock Arms, Knighton Road, re-opened last week after a £350,000 refurbishment to create a 'traditional family pub with a modern twist.'

The pub is one of many owned by Everards whose founder, William Everard, heralded from Knighton.

Robin Sherwood, retail-marketing manager for Everards, said: "We've been family owned since 1849. This means we have an idea of what works and what doesn't, although we were keen to discuss our final product with the community. To that extent we had meetings with local customers to gauge their thoughts."

After these discussions it became clear to the owners that an emphasis on playing an integral part in everyday community life would help maximise the pub's potential.

With this in mind, a monthly book club has been instated, family board games can be borrowed on site and there are hopes to utilise the newly landscaped garden for barbeques in the summer months.

"It's not just a pub anymore it's an asset. We want to see the Cradock Arms play an important role in people's day to day lives," Mr Sherwood added.

Along with the introduction of a community focus the pub has also installed a new thatch roof, as well as a platform lift to allow disabled access to the upper bar area. There has also been a new menu introduced, and a new kitchen in which to freshly prepare the food.

Licensee Nick Burrell said: "It's been a long journey, but I'm delighted with the outcome. As it was only closed for six weeks it was a pressured job, but the team has worked hard. We're finally going to be maximising the value of the pub, which hadn't been used to its full potential in the past."