Christmas came at once for a pub in Cowbridge which has just completed a major refurbishment in time for the holiday rush and gotten off to a flying start.

The Market Place, on the High Street, has had £750,000 pumped into it to launch the town’s premier dining destination, specialising in steak and seafood. 

Andrew Tucker, running the pub in partnership with his father Stuart, said: “We’ve created a completely new offering for this area and hope to complement the existing dining experiences available in Cowbridge.

“Making sure we were open for Christmas was a top priority and it’s really paid off with friends old and new flocking here to see how we’ve transformed the building.”

Stuart has been leasing pubs for 18 years but will be handing the reins over to Andrew for this particular project.

As well as an open plan kitchen, the huge refurbishment has created seating for 110 guests, including an upstairs dining area and private function room.

Fresh lobster and steak are displayed in glass fronted counters, with an extensive wine selection on show around the dining area.

Ross Mathews, business relationship manager at Punch, said: “This has been one of our most ambitious investment projects of the year and we’re delighted with the results.”