A Wokingham-based couple have breathed new life into the time-worn Dukes Head Pub in Wokingham, after a ten-week renovation period.

Located in the heart of Wokingham - 56 Denmark Street - the pub is now under the guidance of the tenacious Deegan pair who have been dedicated to its transformation and revival since May 10.

Previous pub manager, Claire revealed the need to invigorate the tired establishment.

She said: "It was just very tired. We wanted to give it a fresh lease of life and Brakspear fully supported us."

The decision to rejuvenate the pub was intertwined deeply with the Teegans’, both having experience in the field with Ed having once managed the Ember King.

The overhaul, Claire indicated, was far from effortless.

"It took longer than we first thought. We had to replace everything top to bottom.

"It has been a nice process because it solidifies to the local community that we can; we are starting a new era."

The refurbishment saw the couple and their friends painting walls, tackling gardens, and fitting electrics with Brakspear's backing in the carpeting and wiring undertakings.

Mrs Deegan, originally from Kent, praised the community's broad support, even extending to their social media initiative on TikTok.

She said: "We took locals' advice on renovating the pub. They wanted us to get the pool table moved back where it used to be under the light.

"People were also saying that they missed the original artwork so we dug it out from the cellar and dusted it off rehung it.

"It’s been really positive and we've been able to keep everyone informed about our progress."

The renovated pub, now sporting a snug and traditional aesthetic, opened on Thursday, August 8.

Since then, their efforts have not gone unnoticed, with the community showering praise and encouragement, painting promising imagery of the pub’s revival.

In their vision to reinstate trust in the community, the Deegans are eager to dispel the previous unappealing reputation.

"It has a little bit of a bad reputation, but this is our home and our business. I want it to feel like an extension of my living room," Claire stated confidently.

In addition to their unveiling, the pair plan to launch their refurbished kitchen this week.

They've hired an experienced chef set to prepare homemade traditional pub food.

In the future, Claire and Ed plan to bring in quality entertainment and 'good vibes', leaning into their experience in the Ember King that hosted a Friday night music night.

The TDeegans, who have been together for 25 years, view their new venture as their home and want it to be a safe and welcoming environment for their two teenage children and the Wokingham community.

They are open from midday until 11pm and are looking forward to an era of warmth, conviviality, and top-quality pub nature at the Dukes Head.