A VILLAGE is set to crown the comeback of its sorely missed pub with a re-opening party fit for a king.

After a long battle against a property developer and five months of refurbishment work, the launch date for The Crown in South Moreton has been confirmed as Saturday, May 4.

Paul Jackson, the chairman of the group set up to rescue the pub, said the event will celebrate the work of hundreds of volunteers who have helped get it to this point.

READ ALSO: New Tipsy Mercer bar in Abingdon wins rave reviews

He said: "The battle for The Crown has been long, and not without some significant setbacks.

"But from the beginning our village got behind the cause - donating their time, expertise and resources to make it happen.

"For a small village community there was great support for our share sale.

"I am sure many of our more than 130 shareholders will be regulars.

"Many more supported us by attending our various ‘pop-up’ events.

"Dozens of volunteers helped the renovations, ranging from ‘popping in’ (me) to notable stalwarts, some working at The Crown most days - for months."

The traditional pub, the last in the village, has sat empty for three years but has now been transformed so it can function as a pub, restaurant, cafe and meeting place for community activities.

The building has been totally gutted and renovated since the group got their hands on the keys in September.

Volunteers have pulled together and had to learn new trades fast to get the pub ready for the spring season.

A leaking roof was replaced, the bar and fireplaces were totally re-modelled and the walls have been freshly painted.

READ AGAIN: Oxfordshire's 'best' pubs featured in new 'Best of England' guide

Charlotte Waite, a publican with 14 years experience who lives locally, has been appointed as the new landlord and has pledged to work with Oxfordshire-based breweries in her new role.

She said: “I am absolutely thrilled and cannot wait for the grand opening of The Crown.

"The team and I will be giving a warm welcome to locals, tourists as well as visitors of the four legged variety.

"Family will be at the very heart of what we offer with our café open daily and a kids play area in the garden."

Ms Waite has also revealed some of what people can expect from the new restaurant.

READ ALSO: Revival of 4 at-risk pubs bucks trend for closures in South Oxfordshire and the Vale

She added: "We’re very excited to have Zdenk Havlicek as our chef who is formerly of Jamie Oliver restaurants and Wildwood.

"The menu will be full of traditional, home made pub classics with a ‘modern twist’. And for our four legged friends we will have a ‘Crown drool’ menu with special doggie treats.”