A HISTORIC Devizes pub which in recent years has had a Marmite affect on locals is undergoing a major refurbishment which the new tenants hope will unite people in support.

The Black Swan in the Market Place has had its 12 letting rooms transformed from dated and shabby to chic and contemporary with stylish bathrooms and glamorous linen.

The inn, which is owned by Wadworth, is now run by Old Sarum Hotels and between them the two companies have invested £270,000 in bringing the place up to scratch.

Under previous landlord John Chapman the outside of the building was given a major facelift but the antique dealer also used the pub to show off many of his wares and some felt it gave it a junk shop feel.

In 2016 the pub was named as one of the coolest in the country by the Sunday Times style magazine but others took to TripAdvisor to complain.

But now Old Sarum operations manager John Hume hopes the new look will please all of its customers. He said: "We are particularly proud of the letting rooms.

"They have been completely transformed and feel much more modern but we have kept original features and used character furniture. We have a four poster bed in one of the rooms and used heritage paint colours.

"We are aware the Black Swan had a bit of a Marmite effect on people but we hope most people will now be impressed."

Downstairs the bar has kept its cosy feel with open fires but the back dining room is still a work in progress. Mr Hume is also hoping that an outside bar will be ready in time for Easter.

Food is served at lunch and dinner from a menu that Mr Hume describes as pub grub but with completely fresh ingredients all prepared in the pub's kitchen.

Wadworth chief executive Chris Welham said: "We will continue to invest in the right pubs in our estate and Devizes and I believe the investment at the Black Swan will provide fantastic amenities for the local community and visitors alike to the town."