The Market Tavern is opposite to Covered Market which is having extensive restoration work

A Preston city centre pub closes from Monday lunchtime for a major refurbishment.

The Market Tavern in Market Street – where Graham Rowson is the landlord – is due to become a ‘City of London style pub’.

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Four weeks of building work is to take place during the £130,000 refit, which is to take four weeks.

Mr Rowson has run pubs in the Preston area for 30 years.

He said: “It’s a beautiful pub in a great location. I’ve had my eye on it for twenty years so I jumped at the chance to become its landlord when I heard it was available.

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“The Market Tavern has got loads of potential but is in a sad state. We want to add to the ambience being created by the City Council in their restoration of the market place by making it a flagship pub and a great place for residents and visitors to Preston to eat, drink and meet up.”

Graham Rowson the new landlord of the Market Tavern

Star Pubs and Bars is financing the refurb which includes having a cafe area outside with tables, chairs, heaters and planting.

Inside the building is having a new kitchen fitted and a barista quality coffee machine.

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Opening hours of the Market Tavern will be increased to allow it to open from 9am for coffee and breakfast.

Six cask ales are to be offered and a glass porthole is being put into the floor of the pub to allow customers to see the cask ales being cared for in the cellar below.

Star Pubs managing director Lawson Mountstevens said: “Graham’s track record as a licensee and cellar master is outstanding with awards to his name for everything from training to charity work. Heineken is a passionate supporter of the Great British pub and it’s fantastic that such a committed and experienced couple is taking on the Market Tavern and working with us to revive its fortunes.”

The Market Tavern closes from Monday 26 September.

Do you drink in the Market Tavern? What do you make of the refit? Let us know in the comments below