A date has been announced for the opening of a new pub on the former site of Roxie Steak & Tap in Twickenham.

Closed in 2019, the empty Roxie Steak & Tap site will be replaced with 'The Rose & Lion' in early June this summer.

Backed by Heineken owned Star Pubs' £520,000 investment, The Rose & Lion will be ran by local award-winning pub operators, Steve Orme and James Thomson.

Orme and Thomson, who are old school mates, run the award-winning gastro pub The Red Lion in Shepperton and The Golden Grove in Chertsey, a coaching inn known for its food and entertainment.

The pair want The Rose & Lion to "look and feel different" from other pubs in the Twickenham.

Orme said: "We were blown away when we first saw The Rose & Lion interior. Although just a shell, we could see it would make a fantastic open sociable space with tall ceilings and large windows. It will be a great place to hang out, with shuffleboard, AR darts, table football all adding to the fun.

"There will also be a couple of retro arcade machine tables, which can be played or just used as a place to eat or drink.

"We've got lots of exciting plans for The Rose & Lion including live music at the weekends and Music Bingo on Saturday mornings, which has proved hugely popular at our other pubs.

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"Given the pub's location in Twickenham, the home of rugby, we will of course show live sports but will also screen different games like Ice Hockey and the American National Football League."

The former Roxie Steak & Tap on London Road, Twickenham (credit: Cesar Medina).

The menu at The Rose & Lion will consist of smashed burgers, pizzas, wings and ribs, all with sides.

The pub say the dishes will be "keenly priced" but will still use quality ingredients, with meat provided by Rodney Macken, Famous Chiswick Butcher.

Drinks will include craft, cask and premium draught beers and ciders as well a selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Orme added: "The Rose & Lion will have a broad appeal when it opens. 

"Parents and children can enjoy coffee mornings or affordable lunchtime food; there will be great food and drinks and there's plenty on offer for those wanting social experiences that don't necessarily focus on drinking. 

"The pub is also ideally laid out for those wanting to hire parts of it for private functions. And of course, it's the newest, coolest place to go pre and post the rugby, so our opening in June is perfect timing."

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Inside, the new pub is set to feature large ceilings and windows, exposed brick and traditional panelled walls and wood and tile flooring.

There will also be a mix of furniture including high padded cocktail leather chairs and swivel armchairs, stripped back freestanding tables, chairs and booths.

The layout will include a raised area with seating for 25 and its own screen. It will be used for live entertainment and can be booked for events.

New licensees Steve Orme (left) and James Thomson (credit: Image supplied).

In addition, six other screens will be placed around the rest of the pub.

The loos will also be upgraded with an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities for use by parents and the disabled.

The exterior of the pub is being repainted in black with white windows and red doors, and new signage and lighting added.

To the rear of the pub a courtyard is being created complete with palm trees, pots and planters, an eclectic mix of seating, outside TV and a mural.

Star Pubs Business Development Manager, Alex Jackson, commented: "We're delighted to be co-investing with Steve and James in creating a distinct social venue for Twickenham. 

"Steve and James are very experienced operators who have transformed their other two pubs, creating real hubs for their community and attracting customers from further afield. I am sure they will be as successful with the Rose & Lion, which is completely different to the local competition. 

"It is also in a great high street location and will look stunning once completed."

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