Historic Belsize Park pub The Washington has reopened following an extensive five-week refurbishment.

Regulars feared the new look would spoil the Grade II listed watering hole's unique atmosphere, but owners say the facelift has given it a warm and inviting new feel while keeping its traditional look.

Changes include a cosy snug area for drinkers, and an additional space for dining in the newly added ‘Washington Heights’.

Ham & High: The pub sits on the corner of Englands Lane and Belsize Park GardensThe pub sits on the corner of Englands Lane and Belsize Park Gardens (Image: The Washington)

Located at the corner of England's Lane and Belsize Park Gardens The Washington was built in 1865 and is listed on CAMRA's National Inventory of historic pub interiors for its surviving Victorian fittings.

The interior boasts etched glass, painted mirrors, pictures of flora and fauna, wooden panels, a stucco ceiling and island bar - while the entrance floor mosaic reads "Washington Hotel and Billiards".

Ham & High: The pub is listed for its Victorian interior of etched glass, stucco ceiling and unusual murals of flora and faunaThe pub is listed for its Victorian interior of etched glass, stucco ceiling and unusual murals of flora and fauna (Image: The Washington)

Built for the Belsize Park developer Daniel Tidey, the pub is said to be named after the village of Washington in Sussex where the first licensee came from.

The pub closed in early October but has now reopened with a new look with a menu serving the likes of steaks, burgers, shepherds pie, pan roasted cod, and wild boar and ale sausages.Ham & High: The Washington closed in October for a five week revampThe Washington closed in October for a five week revamp (Image: The Washington)

Speaking about the refurbishment, the General Manager at The Washington said: “The locals were so worried that the refurbishment would take the soul out of the pub but in fact, we have restored it. The same but so much better! They are thrilled.”