A CITY centre pub which is undergoing a £400,000 transformation is hoping to shed its image as a "pre-club bar selling cheap drinks".

Instead, when The Courtyard opens its doors again on Friday, January 27 after a ten-day refurbishment, it is hoping to attract families, students and sports fans throughout the day.

Marston's, which has paid for the St Nicholas Street pub's overhaul, will introduce a new menu and restaurant area and it will boast a dedicated sports zone, exclusive cocktail section and dancefloor.

Phil Hurst is the pub's new owner and hopes that people who may have avoided it in the past will come in and give it a try.

"I'm really looking forward to the opening and it is definitely going to be a challenge.

"I think Courtyard doesn't have the best reputation at the moment but I am determined to provide a reason why people want to be here.

"We want it to be a friendly environment and a place people want to spend some time and socialise in the day

"We're spending quite a lot of money upgrading it.

"We are introducing a food menu as it has been quite a long time since The Courtyard did food.

"It will be quite basic - build your own burgers and pizza, so a simple menu."

The 33-year-old has worked in the industry since he was a 19-year-old pot washer, rising through the ranks and spent the last ten years working for Intertain which operates Walkabout bars.

Talking about Courtyard's new look, he said: "We were planning to take it all back to brickwork but unfortunately we weren't allowed to do that because the building is registered.

"We are trying to create a bit more of a courtyard feel with the central area which will be a bit like a street and there will be signs on the wall and flower boxes.

"The separate rooms will all have different designs."

Six new members of staff will be taken on including a chef.

The Courtyard will be open from 12pm every day and closes at 12am on weekdays and at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Families will be welcome before 7pm.

Mr Hurst added: "That's something we want to encourage, mums with pushchairs can come in and have a coffee and a chat.

"We want it to be somewhere people are happy to spend a bit of time.

"I want us to move away from its current reputation of being a late night pre-bar selling cheap drinks and become a place people want to come and socialise throughout the day.

"Families, students can study here because we'll have free Wifi and charge points, people can come and watch sports or enjoy a meal or cocktail.

"Please come along and give us a try."