A LONG-awaited microbrewery in Bournemouth is ready to welcome its first customers after months and months of renovations.

Brewhouse and Kitchen has taken over the former Branksome Arms at the Triangle and will be open to the public on Monday.

It sells beer tinged with local history - including Churchill's Fall, named after the accident which almost killed the future prime minister in 1892 - as well as a variety of dishes catering for most dietary requirements for its 120 covers. Staff have revelled in bringing the Eldridge Pope inn back to life.

Many of the original features have been restored which can be seen alongside the "typical" Brewhouse and Kitchen style interior.

Expect copper-pipe cladding, hardwood floors, broken bottle lampshades and aspects from the previous pub which closed more than two years ago. Some of the Branksome Arms lettering has been salvaged for the garden at the rear to read: "Beer thanks".

Operations manager John Gleeson said he is experiencing feelings of being "terrified and excited in equal measure" at the prospect of opening the doors of one of its most anticipated buildings.

"It has been a long time coming," he said. "But we're finally there. The garden really stands out - that's going to be really special. The building has been out of commission for so long. It will be nice for it to be open again for the community. And we're excited for them."

The site's new general manager is Duncan James. He agrees with Mr Gleeson that one of the main draws of the pub will be its garden.

"In the summer we will have deck chairs and there will be a really nice beach feel," Mr Gleeson said, speaking of the tropical plants, fire pit and several beach huts all named after local chines.

Wednesday (APRIL 5) will see a variety of Bournemouth dignitaries for the official opening of the brewery. It is set to be named by a member of the public after the microbrewery launched a social media competition for the best name.

Mr Gleeson added: "We will be doing all the things the other Brewhouses do like the master classes. Hopefully by May we can start having people here for the full day experiences."

The company already runs venues is Southbourne, Poole and Dorchester.