A popular village pub has reopened after being closed for a month for a £140,000 makeover.

One of the first customers through the doors of the newly-refurbished Hand in Hand, High Road, Trimley St Martin, was Suffolk Coastal MP Thérèse Coffey, who wanted to see the completed work.

Dr Coffey met with licensee Louise Askins and owner Punch Taverns’ representatives Mike Rieder, Russell Dawson and Stuart Ewen, for a tour of the premises and learned more about the plans for the future.

Dr Coffey said: “After the refurbishment the Hand in Hand is looking fantastic.

“I was delighted to be able to officially re-open it and talk to Louise about her future plans for the pub. I’m sure it will remain an important part of the Trimleys community for some time to come.”

Ms Askins ran bars and restaurants in Lanzarote for eight years and took on the pub as a Punch Taverns Partner in February.

She said: “It’s going to be a pub where everyone is welcomed with a warm smile, delicious locally sourced food, a lovely garden, a fabulous range of cask and craft ales and great entertainment.”

With chef Mike Reed joining the team, the pub has launched a new food menu from noon to 9pm every day – with pub classics, sharing dishes and a restaurant menu with a heavy Mediterranean influence.

Customers will also be able to enjoy a wide range of drinks, including three cask ales, three guest ales and a selection of wines.

Punch Taverns partnership development manager Russell Dawson, said: “This is going to be a lovely country pub for locals and travelling customers alike and, with the investment we have now made we believe it can flourish and go from strength to strength.”