New pub furniture and an estimated 20 new jobs are on the cards for popular Blackpool pub the King Edward VII when it reopens this weekend on Central Drive in the seaside resort's bustling tourism district.
Located a stone's throw from Blackpool Tower, the pub closed its doors at the start of July to allow refurbishment work to commence, reports the Blackpool Gazette.
When it officially reopens on Saturday, it will be under the John Barras brand, which focuses on traditional pub entertainment, sports and value food and drink.
Ashley Brown, manager of the King Edward VII, tells the newspaper: "The changes we have planned will allow us to provide our guests with a great venue for getting involved with different entertainment activities, watching or playing sports, enjoying a pint after work or taking the family out for a meal."
The comments perfectly sum up the various challenges faced by pub furniture, which must act as everything from a comfortable seat to relax in with a drink, to something akin to formal restaurant furniture for diners, as well as being able to be cleared to one side when entertainment requires some clear floor space.
In the case of the King Edward VII, new pub furniture will be complemented by refurbished toilets, a pool table and darts board, and new televisions equipped with satellite sports broadcasts.
The total cost of the project is estimated at £200,000 and is being carried out by Spirit Leased, the tenanted division of John Barras parent firm Spirit Pub Company.
It will add to almost 800 existing Spirit-owned pubs throughout the UK, including around 30 in the Blackpool area.
Even in such highly competitive markets as Blackpool - which is now as famous for its high number of pubs and clubs as it is for its Pleasure Beach and Tower - it is clear that the current customer demand can support even quite substantial investment into pub furniture and refurbishments.
The challenge for owner-operators is to keep pace with leased and tenanted chain pubs, to be able to offer customers an environment that is as comfortable and welcoming as those of the big brands.