The Merry Monk in Oakham will reopen under new management next week

A town centre pub will re-invigorate Oakham’s night-life when it opens next week.

The Merry Monk has undergone a huge makeover since it closed several years ago and its new landlords hope it will receive a warm welcome.

Hayden Freeman and his partner Bethany Jackson will be at the helm of the Church Street pub along with manager Peter Tokens.

They hope to replicate the success they’ve had at the Royal Oak at Duddington which the couple run with Hayden’s father, Alan Freeman.

Hayden said: “We’ve been looking for new opportunities so it was great when this came up. The building has had a big makeover and has got a great feel to it.

“We’re hoping to appeal to a wide range of the market with everything from breakfast to fine dining and live music.

“The pub will be a lot different to what it used to be.”

The Merry Monk will open in the mornings for breakfast then go on to serve cakes and coffees and light lunches throughout the day.

Evenings will focus on fine dining.

The premises also includes 12 guest rooms which are expected to be ready in June.

The team are now putting the finishing touches together ahead of their opening night on Friday, May 3.

There will be canapés and live music from Oakham agency DG Music and its singers Daryl Kirkland and Tom Bull.

Hayden and Bethany will be spending most of their time at the pub in the early days until it gets established.

Click here to read about a town centre pub that is opening for longer.