EIGHT new jobs are set to be created at a Devizes pub which has just completed it transformation from a young people's late night venue to sophisticated eatery by adding an outdoor bar and kitchen.

Wadworth has spent more than £200,000 completely revamping the courtyard of The Crown in New Park Street and it will start serving street food this Saturday.

Chief executive Chris Welham said: "We are delighted with the al fresco area at the Crown as it caters for everyone. These days the outside at a pub is as important as the inside and that’s why we are working on more external garden areas across our whole region so that more people can enjoy our great pubs all year round."

For landlord Jim Lynch the outdoor make-over is final piece in the jigsaw that started three years ago when it was decided the pub would stop its regular Friday and Saturday night discos, that mainly drew a young crowd, and concentrate more on family dining.

At the time the inside of the pub was completely redecorated to give it a more sophisticated atmosphere and the kitchen was redesigned.

Mr Lynch said: "Creating an outside bar and kitchen is something I have wanted to do for a long time and I am delighted with the result. Now all of the new furniture is in it is looking great. It is a new thing for Devizes and I am hoping it will be very popular.

"The idea is that the food will be a mixture of far eastern style cuisine that will be hand held in wraps and pita bread. It will be quick and easy and perfect to go with a drink in an alfresco setting."

A cocktail maker is to be employed and Mr Lynch hopes to hold cocktail nights once a month with guest mixologists. Live acoustic music will also be played on some evenings.