The Grapes in Formby opens on tomorrow after a £500,000 refurbishment

POPULAR Formby pub, The Grapes will open it's doors this Tuesday, just in time for Christmas after a complete half a million pounds refurbishment. It will officially open to the public at 7pm, tomorrow - Tuesday evening 8 December.

The Bubble were invited for a sneak preview and to sample the new menu.

The 19th century pub which is an iconic landmark in Formby looks amazing. It has a contemporary, elegant design with festive decor and comforts of home. Seating areas for groups of friends or for intimate dining.

Full table waiting-on service within the lavish dining area so you can just sit back with your friends and family and enjoy the sheer indulgence.

The bar has been shortened to open up the entrance area making it even more bright, spacious and welcoming. The completely refurbished classic pub will now be known as 'The Grapes' instead of the previous name of the Grapes Hotel.

New Managers, Mal and Claudia Quillam, have worked non stop to get everything done in time for tomorrow's opening. Taking on new staff and training to give a service that is second to none. They said "We aim to put The Grapes back on the map, offering a new dining area with full table service, new menu's and for it to be a classic pub known as a great place to be in Formby."

The Green Lane pub closed just a few weeks ago when renovations outside commenced with the woodwork painted in new colours and re-rendered. This is the biggest investment that Stonegate Pubs has ever done. Stonegate Pubs have over 600 pubs and bars, across the UK, and operate a wide variety of formats from high-street pubs and traditional country inns to local community pubs, student pubs and late-night bars and venues.

The pub, originally built as a hotel in the 19th century underwent a complete overhall back in August 2009 costing a whopping £350,000. Since then has been known as the Grapes Hotel.

Formby Bubble sat down for a beautiful meal with full table service with a smile.....

We had full table service and were promptly served with our drinks which we chose from the list of beveridges ranging from Italian Prosecco to premium Champagne or a Cask Ale from a selection of national favourites or some local gems such as Red Star. High standard wines sourced from around the world bringing best quality, style and flavour to compliment any meal. Cocktails and Softies were also on the menu.

Our main meal from the menu was a choice of flavoursome Sunday roasts or classic dishes such as fish and chips. The table service was great, we could sit back and relax knowing our glasses would be refilled with a smile.

Just ten minutes after ordering, our meals were served to us. Sunday roast presented beautifully. We had all the trimmings, pigs in blankets and cauliflour cheese with lashings of gravy. Seasonal vegetables complimented our meal which was truly delicious and very filling. The home-made large Yorkshire pudding was simply the best we have ever tasted.

We were offered delicious desserts and very tempting but only had room left for a cup of tea and a mince pie.

Our experience was of a classic pub that has all the benefits of the modern day comforts. A very relaxed atmosphere with helpful staff that always seemed to be smiling and cheery. We found it to be a very pleasant and inviting.

We wish Mal and Claudia the very best of luck and many successful years ahead in our Bubble.