A SOUTH Ockendon pub is preparing to welcome the community back through its doors following an extensive £500,000 refurbishment.

Woodlands Edge, located on Broxburn Parade, will officially reopen at 11am on Wednesday, 19 August with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place at 4pm.

The significant investment has transformed the longstanding venue into a modern, welcoming pub designed for families, diners, sports fans, local groups and special occasions.

The site has served the South Ockendon community as a public house since the 1970s, operating under several different names during its history. The latest transformation begins a new chapter for the building while protecting its place at the heart of the local community.

The refurbishment includes:

• A completely refreshed main bar
• A new dining area and food offering
• A dedicated function room for celebrations and community events
• Two outdoor gardens
• Two customer car parks
• A dedicated sports and entertainment area
• Improved family-friendly facilities
• New décor, furniture and customer areas throughout the venue

A spokesperson for Woodlands Edge said: "This building has been part of South Ockendon for more than 50 years, and we are incredibly proud to be investing in its future.

"The £500,000 refurbishment has allowed us to completely transform the venue, but our vision goes far beyond improving the building.

"We want Woodlands Edge to become a genuine community hub where families can enjoy a meal, friends can meet for a drink, sports fans can watch the big game and local people can celebrate life's most important occasions.

"We have put an enormous amount of care into every part of the refurbishment, and we cannot wait to welcome the community back through the doors."

A New Community Destination

Woodlands Edge has been redesigned to provide something for all sections of the community.

Alongside the newly refurbished bar and dining areas, the venue includes a dedicated function room suitable for birthday parties, weddings, wakes, anniversaries, meetings, presentations and community gatherings.

The pub also benefits from two outdoor gardens, two customer car parks and a dedicated sports area, providing flexible spaces for dining, entertainment and events throughout the year.

Grand Opening Community Day

The reopening celebrations will continue with a major Grand Opening Community Day on Saturday 29 August 2026, beginning at 11am.

The family-friendly event will feature:

• A soft-play bus
• A bouncy castle
• A walkabout magician
• An outdoor barbecue
• Family entertainment and activities
• Full access to the pub's new food and drink offering
• A showcase of the refurbished function room
• An evening DJ from 8:00pm until 11:30pm

The spokesperson added: "Our Grand Opening Community Day is an opportunity for everyone to experience the new Woodlands Edge and celebrate this exciting new chapter with us.

"We want the day to bring people together, create new memories and raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support."