THE oldest pub in Bournemouth is set to undergo a £150,000 “traditional enhancement”, with the pub bringing back some of its original features.

The Cricketers Arms, in Windham Road, will close for four weeks while work is done to revamp the venue.

Operator Austyn Greenfield said they were bringing back the character of the building, which once housed a boxing gym used by world light heavy champion Freddie Mills.

Bournemouth Echo:

Mr Greenfield said: “The pub used to be a boxing gym and until about the 80s had quite a big refurb.

“We are basically enhancing back to the original features. We are going back to wooden flooring, all the windows are going back to their stain glass features, we’re keeping the bar which is from an 1800s cruise ships.

“In the garden, we’re building a massive wrap around garden, at the moment we don’t have a garden.

“The signs are now hand printed so not vinyl. It’s a traditional enhancement, rather than a refurbishment, of the characteristics of the building.”

Mr Greenfield said the investment is in partnership with Punch Pubs and thanked them for their help.

“We have been planning it since September,” he continued, “and plans have changed multiple times to make sure it is right for the local area.

“It’s important we keep it traditional, it’s an important piece of Bournemouth’s history.

“It will be like a fresh start with all the history. It will take the pub forward for the next ten to 15 years which is important, especially after Covid.”

A new beer line system will also be fitted, Mr Greenfield said, which will improve the quality for customers.

Food will be available seven days a week, including a Sunday lunch, and live music will regularly be held at the pub.

New taps will be on offer, including “premium” beer Pravha and Aspall Cyder.

Mr Greenfield continued: “We took over the pub in August and have been planning since September.

“We’re also appealing for anyone with old pictures of stories of Bournemouth to let us know.”