THERE’S a new direction for Ashley Cross in Poole. The Brit pub has undertaken a major refurbishment last month and is offering live entertainment, good food and soon – comedy.

Formerly an old coaching inn, known to many as the Britannia, the pub has just opened its doors to a very new and vibrant audience. This roomy establishment has been lovingly restored to include a flamboyant Grill and a bar area full of character and charm.

While not denouncing its former glory days, the Brit will be the place to sample some Carnaby Street, Beatles and Blur rolled into one offering a modern, much needed appeal to the discerning residents of Ashley Cross.

With a westerly facing al fresco garden, reasonably priced food and a bar to get stuck into with big sports, amazing cabaret nights or just plain old fashioned drinking with mates.

The hostelry’s new owner, Marianne Brown is no stranger to the hospitality trade having worked in Bournemouth and Poole for the past 18 years managing many of the area’s well known bars and restaurants.

She said: “I’ve already been given the nick name Peggy and whilst this won’t be the Queen Vic, I am certain the locals of Ashley Cross will enjoy the same warmth and congeniality that is so apparent in a London local. I look forward to welcoming both new and old clients to the Brit House.”

The Brit opens for business on Saturday 1st February.

Another welcome return is Funnybone Comedy Club, which launches at its new venue of The Brit on Thursday night.

They will be running comedy every week, much as they did at their former residence of Centre Stage in Westbourne.

“The room is much more intimate than Centre Stage and will certainly be an excellent comedy experience,” says Michael Callaghan of Funnybone.

“We are able to attract comics who are about to make the next step in their careers. In the last five years we have had comedians such as Michael McIntyre, John Bishop, Dara O’Briain and Alan Carr who all within 12 months were household names. It’s always nice to be able to say you saw them before they were famous,” added Michael.

Names already signed up include Rob Deering, Mitch Benn and Richard Morton to name just three of a dazzling list, however kicking off proceedings will be Romesh Ranganathan.

The last twelve months have been incredible for Romesh with him winning the prestigious Leicester Mercury New Act Award 2013 and his critically acclaimed Edinburgh Festival debut being nominated for the coveted Best Newcomer Award 2013. Culminating in his debut appearance on the BBC’s Mock The Week, Live At The Apollo and Russell Howard’s Good News and a regular slot on Channel 4’s weekly topical show Stand Up For The Week.

The price is £10 for comedy only or £15 to include food. If you fancy it you can also book into the new Grill restaurant for a three course meal and comedy for just £25 See thebritpub.com or telephone 01202 740046. For further information visit funnybone.co.uk or to reserve tickets phone 01202 740046 or email info@thebritpub.com