BRIDGWATER'S The Duke has re-opened having been transformed by its new owners.

The Duke has been taken over by Amber Taverns and officially opened its doors again for the first time over Bridgwater Carnival weekend.

The bar is for adults over 18 only and does not serve food, but offers a wide range of cask and craft ales, as well as lagers, ciders, non-alcoholic drinks and a selection of gin, rum and whisky.

Gary Roberts, operations manager for Amber Taverns said: "Bucking the trend we do not offer any food or let children into the pub – it’s a real adult social space.

"We have also relocated the old Skittle alley to the former function room.

"People have loved the pub so far and also the fact we can show BT Sports, Sky Sports and all the racing channels on multiple TV’s – a couple of chaps very pleased we have already secured the Amazon Prime games on Boxing day."

Managing the pub is Natalie Roberts, who had a stint running The Duke in its former guise.

"I ran it five years ago but I hardly recognised it when I came through the doors.

"The opening for Carnival was crazy busy but did run smoothly," Mrs Roberts said.

"It was nice to see a lot of people who came here before come back and they seemed pleased with the changes."

The new venture will employ three full-time and six part-time staff.

Winter opening hours are going to be noon to11pm from Sunday to Thursday, and noon until 1am on Friday and Saturday.

Amber Taverns has also agreed to sponsor the traditional Bridgwater Carnival squibbing.