ONE of the biggest pubs in Taunton officially reopened on this day in 2017 after a "much-needed" £1.4 million refit.

The Perkin Warbeck in Taunton is a Wetherspoons chain pub, named after the man who claimed to be the rightful heir to the throne of England in 1497.

The pub has one of the longest bars in the county and at the rear of the pub is an outside terrace garden area with views of the church tower opposite.

Taunton Deane Mayor at the time, Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey, cut the ribbon at a ceremony at the Perkin Warbeck, in East Street, on an early Monday morning on October 3, 2017.

During an unannounced visit, and pipped against "thousands of other pubs", the Perkin Warbeck was awarded an award for its toilets at the Loo of the Year awards in 2023.

One of our readers was very happy that the work had gone ahead at the pub and believed it would increase nightlife in Taunton

The reader said: "Well done JDW (Wetherspoons) for the investment, particularly in creating more jobs.

"I hope one day Taunton gets a Uni etc to increase footfall.

"Taunton has so much potential, so little vision. Hopefully, one day that will change."

As part of the million-pound investment, the kitchen was extended, with self-service coffee machines installed, and the bar removed from the back of the building.

The project has created an additional 35 full and part-time jobs, and existing staff who were redeployed to other Wetherspoon pubs have returned.

 The Taunton pub was redecorated throughout with new carpets, dining booths, and banquet seating installed.

An outdoor upper terrace roof-top garden was added to the rear of the pub over the pavement cafe following the demolition of part of the upper floor, offering views overlooking St Mary Magdalene Church.

Pekin Warbeck's outdoor seating area was brand new in 2017. (Image: PA) There is also new lighting, artwork and a feature fireplace.

Pub manager at the time, Luke Bakewell, was optimistic ahead of the re-opening.

Luke, in 2017, said: “Wetherspoon has spent a huge £1.4million on the pub, creating more jobs for local people and providing further investment in the town.

“I am looking forward to welcoming customers back into the new-look pub and we are confident that they will be impressed by the transformation of the new building.”