A new year brings a new look and additional four new jobs at the Slug and Lettuce in Reading’s Oracle Shopping Centre. The popular bar will be closing after trading on Saturday 11th January to make way for an investment of over £185,000 and will reopen to the public at midday on Saturday 25th January.

The opening sees the start of a whole host of activity and celebrations to launch the new-look Slug and Lettuce, the first of which takes place on Friday 31st January from 5-9pm. Cocktail master classes, canapés and samples from the menu and a magician to delight, surprise and entertain guests are just some of the elements planned for the evening.

The next day, Saturday 1st February, sees the Slug and Lettuce team partner up with local jewellers Pravins, by giving one lucky customer the chance to walk away with a diamond worth £500. Guests will be invited to walk down the purple carpet towards the new-look bar where they’ll be treated to a Bellini reception complete with canapés and other delightful cocktails.

Each guest attending the VIP celebration will be given a raffle ticket as they enter the Slug and Lettuce. During the evening celebrations, raffle ticket numbers will be called out and guests will be invited up onto a stage where they’ll be presented with ten diamonds, one of which will be the real deal, so there’s three weeks to gen up on gems!

To book a ticket for the Slug and Lettuce VIP celebration, email slugandlettuce.reading@stonegatepubs.com

Another diamond giveaway will also signify the start of celebrations for Valentine’s Day with a weekend of entertainment planned including live music by a tribute act of the Canadian crooner, Michael Bublé. The Slug and Lettuce will be offering His and Hers Valentine’s cocktails where customers who buy one of the featured drinks, can get the second for free – the idea being that if your eyes meet across the bar you can buy the object of your desire a drink and you can enjoy one too!

Speaking about the investment, general manager of the Slug and Lettuce, Tony Begley said: “We’ve had a really successful Christmas and what better way to start the new year than with a new look. It’s been a while since the bar has had an investment but it will certainly be worth the wait. We’re confident that the transformation of the bar will broaden our appeal amongst the residents and visitors to Reading.

“Along with new décor and furniture, we’ll also be installing a new lighting system and improving the layout of the Slug and Lettuce to enhance both the drinking and dining experience. The team and I are already looking forward to making 2014 Slug and Lettuce’s best year yet!”

The Slug and Lettuce team will also be making the most of the new year to introduce new experiences at the bar. This includes increasing the number of dishes under 500 calories as part of a limited edition menu; monthly guest appearances from Peppa Pig for families and live music throughout the year.