A RECENTLY-refurbished pub that was severely damaged by smoke has now reopened at the cost of over a third of a million pounds.

Staff celebrated the relaunch of The George Tapps, at Old Christchurch Road, following several weeks of closure after a fire ripped through a block of flats attached to the property.

The fire, which started at Sharkey's pool hall, took firefighters several hours to contain when it ignited and quickly spread on January 5, forcing residents in the flats above to flee to the street - some just in their pyjamas.

It cost the pub's owners, Stonegate Pub Company, £290,000 to repair the damage, after having spent an undisclosed amount on a refit when it was transformed from the Litten Tree in November.

They are also spending a further £48,000 investing in a hidden beer garden, new leather booths and a VIP area as part of the remodelling works.

Manager Daniel Niedbalski said: “Pubs are the hub of local communities and such an important part of the British lifestyle and culture.

“We decided to boost our weekly entertainment so it reflects Bournemouth’s vibrant atmosphere and gives guests something fun to look forward to every day.”

The George Tapps is now open from 11am-11pm Sunday to Thursday, 11am-2am on Friday and Saturday.

Mondays have in-house games and competitions, including ping-pong from 8pm, and a mid-week wind down is held on Wednesdays.

There's a quiz on Thursdays, and Fridays the pub becomes home to local band Rooster. Bournemouth musicians are also invited to take part in the weekly live music night.

Stonegate Pub Company is the largest privately-held managed pub operator in the UK, with revenues in excess of £600 million, employing around 12,500 people, and has 665 sites split across venues including Slug and Lettuce, Yates, Common Room, Proper Pubs, Town Pub and Kitchen, Classic Inns and Venues.