SEAFRONT favourite Harry Ramsden’s has undergone a major refurbishment to bring it up to date while retaining its traditional features.

Managers for the chain, which has 29 outlets, hope the £1million investment in their flagship restaurant will be a hit with local diners as well as tourists.

Taking advantage of its enviable location beside Bournemouth pier, and the events space being developed on the old Odeon site, the business has opened a new café onto the promenade offering Purbeck ice creams, sticks of Harry Ramsden’s rock and other holiday treats.

The restaurant, terrace and takeaway have been redecorated with plastic chip shop chairs replaced with comfy chairs and booths, and the bar given a stylish makeover.

The menu has been expanded to offer a greater range and better vegetarian options, with a pie shop added to the traditional fish and chips, and fresh fish dishes on the way.

“The restaurant was looking very tired,” said operations manager Chris Walter.

“It was 15 years since anyone had done anything to it, and we didn’t want to get left behind as the rest of the seafront is smartened up. The windows wouldn’t even open.

“This is our flagship restaurant, we have got a great location here and we had to get it up to that standard.

“It has been hard work for the past four weeks but well worth it.”

Despite the changes, the defining features of Harry Ramsden’s have been retained, such as the chandeliers on the ceiling, a relic of the eponymous founder’s Ritz Hotel-inspired vision for the chain back in 1928.

And the firm is keen to exploit its seaside image, commissioning iconic postcard makers Bamforth to design Harry Ramsden’s branding and merchandise, including beach toys.

“So far customers have been positive about the changes,” added Mr Walter.

“We are always going to be successful as a tourist business, but we want to encourage local people to come here all year round.”

The business has also recruited new staff locally through Bournemouth and Poole College.