AFTER mysteriously closing back in January, a popular Christchurch pub could be open again in time for the summer.

Work has begun to refurbish the Ye Olde George Inn in the town centre – five months after its sudden closure.

And it has now been revealed that the popular pub, which is owned by Enterprise Inns, will be reopened under the same name following a much-needed revamp.

A crew of builders began work to restore the Castle Street pub to its former glory just over a fortnight ago.

Site manager Rob Moran, from Fairland Contractors Ltd, said: "Following the refurb, the Ye Olde George Inn will be reopened as the same establishment.

"Enterprise are no longer looking for tennants to take over the pub, but intend to retain it and run it under management.

"We have quite a bit of work to do as the pub is quite run-down inside and is in desperate need of a new bar.

"Our handover date with Enterprise is Thursday, June 23 – so hopefully it will open soon after that."

According to Mr Moran Enterprise is still looking for someone to run the pub.

The reasons behind its sudden closure at the beginning of the year are still unknown.

At the time an ex-employee told the Daily Echo that staff at the pub in Castle Street had been paid and given their P45s by co-owner Rob Martin, but had received no further explanation about the reasons for the closure.

Last month the Ye Olde George Inn was being marketed for rental offers by Savills Estate Agents.

Agent Adam Bullas told the Daily Echo: "Enterprise Inns have had some offers, but they want to retain it within their portfolio and run it under management.

"It should hopefully therefore see some investment in the near future."

The Christchurch pub and The Dolphin in East Street, Blandford, were leased to Robert Martin and Paul Goldsack by the pub chain in October 2014.

But just 14 months later both venues closed mysteriously with no word from the owners.

The Dolphin has since reopened under new management.