The Waterloo pub in Wakefield is set to re-open following a £200,000 makeover

The pub is part of Proper Pubs, which falls under the umbrella of Admiral Taverns – owner of more than 180 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.

Behind the bar is Julie Abell, who is a popular local figure having lived in Wakefield almost her entire life. With more than three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Julie has been the manager of the Waterloo over the last year and is looking forward to taking the pub from strength to strength and consolidating its position as a community social hub.

She said: “The pub looks fantastic, and I can’t believe the transformation.

"I’m really excited to get behind the bar to welcome all our customers, old and new, and support our local community.

"We’ll be starting off by collecting food for a local food bank, and donations to get a defibrillator installed.

"Pubs are the hub of their community, and we can’t wait to be the hub of Wakefield.”

Inside, the pub is split into two areas – the main bar and the backroom – which have been completely transformed with brand new furniture, flooring, fittings and fixtures throughout, as well as two new bars.

The main area will host five flat screen televisions, a new pool table and two darts boards, while the backroom will be complete with its own bar and a 70-inch television.

As a sports orientated pub, every television will be fitted with Sky Sports, TNT and horse racing for customers to enjoy.

Outside, the pub will feature brand new lighting and signage to greet visitors and hosts a spacious beer garden.

The outdoor area seats up to 80 people and will be furnished with new wooden benches, a large television screen and an undercover area so it can be enjoyed all year round.

For opening night on November 2, the pub will be celebrating with a prosecco reception from 6pm and a live music performance from singer Charlotte Branson at 8pm.

Julie plans to introduce a regular schedule of fundraising events and entertainment to help bring local residents together.

To kick this off, she is looking forward to hosting weekly open mic nights and at least two annual charity events in aid of Wakefield Hospice and mental health organisation, Andy’s Man Club.

The pub will also continue to host a pool team every Wednesday, the local football clubs at the weekend and plans on setting up a darts team on Tuesdays.

Matthew Gurney, operations director for Proper Pubs, said: “I’m really excited about the opening of the Waterloo.

"The team has worked hard on the refurbishment, and we’re just finalising the finishing touches ready to open in just a over a week’s time.

"On behalf of the Proper Pubs team, we would like to wish our community hero, Julie, every inch of success for the future in making the Waterloo a fantastic hub of the community.”