The Sandpiper is Pub of the Week

Found in Christchurch, The Sandpiper is a traditional English pub forming part of the Greene King chain.

It is adored by its regulars, but they may have noticed some changes taking place over the last year.

In May, the pub was closed for a month as it underwent a half a million-pound refurbishment, seeing it transformed into a classier and cosier premises.

General manager, Martin Virr, said told the Daily Echo that the pub looks “a lot brighter” and “a lot cleaner” as a result.

He said: “It was due a refurbishment. It just needed an uplift really.

The refurbished outdoor seating area at The Sandpiper (Image: NQ)

“The reaction has been really positive; people love how it looks.”

As part of the work, the outdoor seating areas have been drastically improved, with the undercover seating area made cosier with twinkly lights, plant decorations, and heaters.

A second seating area has also been added to the opposite end of the pub, giving visitors even more space to enjoy their food and drinks.

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Martin said: “We’ve got the outside area which is all heated. It’s really good out there. Everyone sits out there, they love it”

With the refurbishment complete by June, Martin joining as the new manager in September, and a new menu coming later this month, it really has been a year of change for The Sandpiper.

Inside The Sandpiper (Image: NQ)

The pub invited its customers to celebrate its new additions with a ‘re-launch’ event on Saturday, October 1.

Martin said: “We had a Tina Turner act and we put out a spread of food so people can try the new menu.”

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But despite the changes, The Sandpiper will continue with what made it so popular in the first place- good pub food, refreshing drinks, and full sports coverage across nine television screens.

Customers will still be able to get their hands on great offers throughout the week, including a buy one get one free deal on burgers every Thursday.

Martin said: “It’s always been a very good pub for regulars but now it is reaching out to different people too. We’ve got families, locals, and people here to watch sport. It’s open for everyone. It’s very inclusive.”

The Sandpiper is found at 97 Bure Lane in Christchurch.