One of Hull’s most celebrated city centre pubs is set to undergo a major refurbishment after the arrival of a new licensee.

Michael Greatrex will start work next week on a complete refurbishment of the kitchen, the bar, toilets and the guest rooms. The work is due for completion on December 6 and the pub will remain open throughout.

He said: “When I saw the pub I realised I could do something with it. I’ve got two great bar staff and a lot of regular customers.

“I’m going to change some of the bar products and we’ll be doing home-made food as soon as the new kitchen is in and we have another chef – I’m a chef but I’ll be out front.”

Even after the changes Michael will be looking to expand his range of pork pies and Scotch eggs from Johnston’s in Carr Lane.

He said: “I found Johnston’s when I was walking round the city centre one day. It’s an old traditional shop, they look after you very well and I’ll be able to carry more of their stock once the kitchen is done. We’re using Yorkshire Linen Company in King Edward Street for the guest room refurbishments and we’re getting new carpets from another local firm.”

Michael plans to continue the pub’s regular quiz nights and the live music evenings featuring a ukulele band. The current 4pm opening time will be brought forward once the upgrade is completed, and Michael is planning to add other events, including lunchtime gatherings for senior citizens.

The pub in Mason Street, Hull, dates back to 1805 and its strong links with the audiences and performers at Hull New Theatre across the road are demonstrated by the images of the stars of stage and screen.

Many of the performers stayed at the pub, which still has four guest rooms. Others would call in for a drink, a meal, or a chat with the locals. Legendary entertainers Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy visited the pub when they performed at the New in 1947.

Michael will be adding a few more famous faces to the walls of the Old English Gentleman with photographs of some of the big names he has worked with in a career which includes five years looking after cruise clients on the Queen Elizabeth II.

Michael’s interest in the Old English Gentleman was promoted by a recommendation by the brewery representative at his previous pub, the Moon Inn at Stoney Middleton in Derbyshire.

He said: “I had never been to Hull and I can’t believe how brilliant the place is. There’s so much going on, there’s always something to do and the place is under-rated.”

He said: “I have been in the pub and restaurant business all my life and I have always worked for myself except when I did five world cruises as a steward on the QEII. I’ve got photographs of a lot of the famous entertainers who I worked with and it was when the brewery rep saw those that he said the Old English Gentleman would be perfect for me.”

HullBID City Centre Manager Kathryn Shillito said: “The Old English Gentleman is well-known and much-loved among locals and visitors alike, partly because of its location and also because of the remarkable collection of photographs.

“It’s clear from Michael’s plans that he understands what makes the place special and he also recognises the benefits of working with other businesses in the city centre. We’re looking forward to seeing the pub after the refurbishment and we wish Michael every success.”