One of the oldest pubs in Dorchester has been given a new lease of life after a £200,000 refurbishment.

The OId Ship Inn on High West Street has been taken over by Chris Jago of Café Jagos.

It comes after the pub was given a refurbishment earlier this month, complete with a new bar, kitchen, music area, sound system, flooring and equipment.

Six new jobs are also expected to be created for the area.

Mr Jago spoke with The Echo about his new business.

He said: “I’ve been keeping it quiet for a few months. People won’t recognise it. It’s been completely gutted and has gone up market. There’s a lot of excitement.

“We’ve gone for a glossy feel and soft finish. I think some people will like it because it has a much classier feel. The main thing is to make sure that it’s a safe environment like Café Jagos.”

Mr Jago said he wants to keep the pub open late for special events.

He said: “We will be opening until 2am and have a 24-hour drinks licence. It will be completely different. We’re going to be having high end hotel rooms, food and music on weekends. There will be ticketed events with high profile bands.”

However, the pub will be sound-proofed, so the noise won’t bother residents living nearby.

He also said there will be a strict dress code with no sportswear allowed, and the pub will be open to people aged from 18 to 90, everyone is welcome.

The Old Ship Inn will be Mr Jago’s second business following the success of Café Jagos.

He said: “I have been in Dorchester for 12 years now. Café Jagos just happened. I never aspired for it to be what it is today, it developed itself.

“We started off by having parties then it just carried on, and more and more people wanted to come along, and now it is what it is today.”

Mr Jago said: “The rumour is the pub was bought by a retired sailor in the 17th century, and that’s where its name the Old Ship Inn originates from. It’s been a pub ever since. There are tunnels which run beneath it to the old courts.”

He added: “Residents can expect a lot of events coming up, including two launch nights, one for food and the other for music.”