Situated opposite the town's main tourist attraction, the Queen & Castle pub reopened to guests last weekend following five weeks of renovations both inside and out.

In the week building up to the relaunch party last Friday (August 12) we were invited down to a preview night to try out the new menu and too see the renovations for ourselves.

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

Before you even enter the venue it was clear to see how much effort had gone into renovating the outdoor area - now complete with more seating, an extending paved area and a large new canopy - and the exterior of the building, which has been bedecked with new signs which bring a more modern feel to the pub.

The outdoor seating area has had a complete refresh so it can be used all year round

Inside the décor has had a top to tail change.

New tables, chairs and furniture match the bold interior colours.

The pub said it had taken inspiration from Kenilworth Castle and the royalty that has stayed there over the centuries.

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 dinners.

Having been invited down on one of the hottest days of the year, we were still perfectly comfortable, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming.

For drinks my companion and I were able to chose from a range of new cocktails and a new wine list. A mojito and a crisp pint of Asahi were ordered.

For starters we chose we to order three dishes from the new 'small plates' range added to the menu.

The new pork belly bao buns, panko-breaded brie and pan-fried king prawns with chilli & feta were ordered - and combined they made a perfectly-sized sharing start to the meal.

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!

My partner ordered the fishcakes which came with a portion of chips. Again both were received very well - a generous portion, presented well and cooked superbly.

Dessert was perhaps the hardest choice of the evening.

I ordered the home-baked chocolate brownie, which thankfully was not too rich. Served with bourbon vanilla ice cream it was the perfect end to the meal.

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 one of the smaller desert options - a mini apple and rhubarb crumble which she had with a refreshing pot of fresh mint tea.

Overall, the evening was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Having visited the Q&C a number of times of the years we did not know quite what to expect - especially having been prewarned that the redecorations were "slightly out there".

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