A BARROW pub is set to reopen this week after undergoing major refurbishments.

The Barrow Arms has been shut for more than three weeks to allow its owners to redevelop much of the pub/restaurant, including £25,000 improvements to the kitchen.

The pub opened in June before closing again in August to allow additional improvements to be made.

The team in charge of the pub have all made the switch from the Cavendish Arms in Cartmel, where the new landlord and landlady Michael and Livia Ion worked as head chef and bartender.

The couple said they wanted to replicate the success of other up-market establishments in Barrow.

They are joined from the Cartmel pub by manager Craig Donaldson and chef Sam Hickey.

Prior to the new takeover, the Barrow Arms was known as a late-night boozer, but Mr Ion said he wants to rebrand the pub as a place for families to enjoy a nice meal.

"We want to bring families in to the restaurant," he said.

“We have a number of special offers this week just for families.”

Special family deals include children eating free on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

In addition the sweet menu for children is free of charge all week.

There is also between five and 20 per cent off from Tuesday to Friday.

Mr and Mrs Ion took over the property in May.

Mr Ion said: “We wanted to test things out, see how the business went.

“Once we decided it would work and we could make a profit we signed a longer contract and refurbished everything including investing £25,000 in new kitchen facilities.

“We’re so excited to get started.”

Craig Donaldson, manager at the Barrow Arms said he was ‘pumped to get started’.

He said: “I want to the pub to be packed every night.”

As part of the refurbishment and improvements to the kitchen, the team has also expanded the menu at the Barrow arms.

The pub and restaurant will officially re-open at noon on Friday.