It was a double celebration for the Pineapple in Dorney on Saturday, as the pub has reopened after lockdown - and showcased its £550,000 revamp to the community for the first time.

The Pineapple, which has been closed since January 2, was due to open in time for Mother’s Day after the refurbishment work with Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars finished.

Covid halted the completion of the project, leading to licensees Chrys and Hanna Fisher having to wait a further 18 weeks before unveiling the stunning transformation on July 18.

The top to toe refurbishment, which had taken two years of planning, has doubled the internal capacity of the village pub to 75 and created a garden area with seating for 166.

Outside the pub has been redecorated and new lighting and signage installed.

The garden has new decking and planting and a rustic timber clad wall, with chairs, tables and picnic benches.

The couple have put measures in place to ensure customer safety during the coronavirus outbreak and to meet health and safety guidelines.

These include a one-way system with entrance and exit signs, multiple hand sanitisers, table service and an enhanced cleaning regime.

With extra staff needed to serve and clear tables, the couple has created a further 10 jobs on top of the four new jobs they had originally planned.

The Pineapple will also serve food from midday to 9pm - including stone-baked pizzas and pub classics.

Chrys said: “Although we were disappointed not to open in March, the refurbishment has been worth the wait.

"We’re delighted with the transformation and are sure our customers will be too.

"We now have a fantastic more spacious environment which is more comfortable for everyone and provides plenty of socially distanced seating, yet keeps the character of this much-loved pub.

"I think we are going to need the space as we’ve had lots of people enquiring about when we’re going to open.

"We’re thrilled to be opening the doors and welcoming people in and, with a long spell of good weather in the offing, expect the garden to be a popular destination.”

Matt Dyson, Regional Operations Director at Star Pubs & Bars said: “The Pineapple’s refurbishment is just in time for the new socially distanced world we’re living in.

"I wish Chrys and Hanna well during this challenging time and a great summer ahead.”