Sitting next to the Grand Union Canal in Knowle, the King's Arms pub reopened to guests last weekend following five weeks of renovations both inside and out.

In the week building up to the relaunch party we were invited down to a preview night to try out the new menu and to see the changes for ourselves.

On first arrival it was clear that the Warwick Road venue has been given a top to tail facelift - a real transformation.

The outside area has been completely renovated with new seating and even new fire pits.

Inside the decor has been designed with a 'country club' feel. Aside from the lighting being a bit dark inside, the interior changes have created a relaxed, warm and welcoming environment, and really have refreshed the pub.

We started our evening with a drink in the bar area. The bar itself has been refitted, with a much broader range of draft beers, cocktails and spirits on offer. Perhaps the only disappointment was that the number of cask ales on offer has now dropped down to just two.

That aside the area provided a nice, comfortable start to the evening and would be perfect for customers looking for drinks and lite bites rather than a full meal in the restaurant.

The rest of the top to tail refurbishments have seen a complete transformation of the dining area.

The pub has been split into three main areas with wallpaper panelling in the connoisseur club, showcase lighting in the great room and a featured bookcase in the curator space.

And while the team said the new layout may not be to everyone's taste, I thought it was a welcome change and one that was clearly well received by our fellow diners.

For starters we chose the panko-breaded brie and the pan-fried king prawns with chilli and feta - both were thoroughly enjoyed, and large portions.

Other eye-catching starters available included chipotle sticky chicken and sticky beef dumplings.

For mains the new menu has kept some of the pub's classic dishes with the burgers, steaks and pizzas all still on offer.

I chose the diablo pizza which, despite it being very enjoyable, I struggled to finish due to its size! Perhaps on another occasion I will order the lower calorie option with the centre cut out and replaced with fresh salad.

My partner ordered the dirty burger. Again, this was generously portioned, presented well and cooked superbly.

Dessert was perhaps the hardest choice of the evening.

I ordered the home-baked chocolate brownie, which I just about squeezed in having filled up on my first two courses.

That said, I did regret not ordering the Lotus Biscoff chocolate bomb with hot toffee source, having seen a few taken past to other tables!

My companion chose the apple crumble, which was a huge portion! While she said it was tasty and not too sweet nor tart, she could not finish it - a running theme through the evening it seems.

Overall, the evening was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Having visited the King's Arms a number of times of the years we did not know quite what to expect - especially having been prewarned that the redecorations would be a big change.

While we did not sample it, the pub has also refreshed its lunchtime menu, so remains the perfect spot for a pint, a sandwich and a walk along the canal towpath.

But the new menu and the new surroundings meant a return visit is a definite.