A YEADON pub has closed for a £153,000 transformation with the aim of making it the town's best sport's bar.

The Albert in Yeadon is being given the upgrade by Heineken-owned

Star Pubs & Bars. It will reopen on October 28 in time for Halloween celebrations.

The large pub is configured to offer different options for drinkers and includes a sports room with pool and darts, a main bar and a snug. The revamp will see the pub redecorated throughout, toilets, tables and chairs upgraded, and new furnishings added. There will also be a new audio-visual entertainment system for interactive games, quizzes and karaoke, a contactless pool table, six new large HDTVs for showing sport and a halo darts board. Sports enthusiasts have the option of watching different sports, such as rugby and football, screened simultaneously on different screens.

Outside there will be new signage and lighting and benches will be installed in the courtyard. When The Albert reopens there will be flavoured gins available, an increased wine selection, and a wider range of spirits.

The Albert has been taken on by Gillian Butler, the pub’s manager for the last two and a half years. Before moving into hospitality she had spent 28 years in the care industry, working her way up from carer to a senior manager for a care company overseeing five nursing homes. In the end she found the 24/7 demands of the job too stressful. Although running her own pub business wasn’t in her original game plan, Gillian’s love of her job these last couple of years, the pub and the Yeadon community led her to leap at the opportunity when the pub became available.

Gillian says: “When I moved to Yeadon, even though I am not from around here, I was made to feel so welcome. It was like I’d lived here forever. I have made some great friends and love the atmosphere at The Albert and so don’t want to be anywhere else. Taking on a pub is a challenge, but I have had experience running the pub and more recently some great training and support and so feel ready for this next adventure.

“We have many regulars and are a massive Leeds United supporters pub. The changes to the décor and drinks range will broaden the pub’s appeal, attracting more women and couples. I am also looking for darts teams for The Albert so do get in contact.”

Star Pubs & Bars Business Development Manager, Jon Kelly says:“We’re delighted that Gillian has taken on The Albert and that we’re investing in it to improve the pub for customers. The combination of improved surroundings, better sports equipment and Gillian at the helm together with competitively priced drinks will I hope be a cause for celebration in Yeadon."