The site of the former Greene King pub, The Elm Tree, which up until now has been the home of The Duke of York pub, has officially returned to Victoria Road in Surbiton.

The new pub reopened today, Friday, 14 March under a new independent owner and with a swanky new refurb, changing the exterior from a dark blue to a bright green and adding a sign with the new pub name.

From the moment the pub opened its doors for the first time at 5pm today, it was brimming with locals eager to check it out.

The Elm Tree was full of locals eager to check out the new pub (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

The friendly bar staff were rushed off their feet and, despite their being lots of tables, it was already difficult to get a seat.

It also had a bar stocked full of booze, perfect for a Friday evening opening.

Speaking about the opening, the pub's General Manager Harry, who is new to Surbiton, told Kingston Nub News: "Surbiton is such a great place, and everyone has been so lovely and shown a lot of love so far, so we're super excited to welcome them in."

'Surbiton is such a great place, and everyone has been so lovely and shown a lot of love so far, so we're super excited to welcome them in,' says The Elm Tree's General Manager Harry (Credit: Tilly O'Brien)

While nobody was eating when the pub first opened earlier, The Elm Tree will be selling food and has some deals on offer.

For example, from 12pm – 3pm Monday – Friday, it is selling toasties and a mug of soup for £5.95.

It also has Sunday roasts on offer from 12pm – 7pm on Sundays for £16.50 as well as a kid's menu.

And every day from 9am, there'll be breakfast with a starting price of £4.95 as well as hot drinks.

Moreover, every Saturday at 8.30pm different local bands will be performing live music.