Vini Hurst outside the Plungington Hotel in Lytham Road

A prominent Preston pub has reopened after a number of years of changing hands.

The Plungington Hotel at the top end of Plungington Road is now run by Vini Hurst.

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Since receiving the keys a mini refit of the pub has taken place, with the TVs screens removed and more cask ale pumps installed.

Vini, who has been manager at The Moorbrook in North Road for two years, said he wanted to create a family-friendly atmosphere.

He said: “We want this to be a pub in the heart of the community. This is right in the middle for Fulwood and it should be used by everyone.

“We have worked hard to get the pub into shape and over the years it has seen many come and go.

“Now we’re creating an atmosphere people want to come to and just have a chat, and a pint, and maybe some food.”

The former bowls lawn in the Plungington Hotel’s back garden

The Plungington, which first served its pints in 1870, has an extensive beer garden and what was a bowls lawn.

Vini and team have been tidying up the outdoor area which he says is going to be put to good use.

He said: “I think we have one of the largest beer gardens in Preston. Unfortunately the sun doesn’t shine much but we are going to make use of it.

“There will be plenty of activities for the children and I really want to get BBQs going. If there’s enough people in we’ll just get the BBQ on and get serving.”

Real ale is a key part of the Plungington’s bar offering, with seven pumps due to be in action.

Real ale and the bar in the Plungington Hotel’s lounge

Vini has a strong background in ale, having worked the Continental’s beer festival for years, the Tundra bar on the Flag Market and the Moorbrook which is one the city’s favourite ale pubs.

He said: “We have the old fashioned ale mugs, and I am getting a lot of different ales through.

“It’s what people want. We have the craft ales in bottles too.

“It’s on average about £3 a pint, but that does vary depending what it is.”

The Plungington Hotel is open from 4pm to 12pm on Monday to Thursday, and 12noon to 12pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

An Easter Gala weekend is taking place from Good Friday to Easter Sunday with lawn games, music and a BBQ from 12noon to 12pm.