Work to turn Acorn 20 into a "top-end traditional Irish pub" has begun, ready for the new venue to open in a month's time.

After the £500,000 makeover, the Richmond Road pub will be renamed Whelans when it opens on July 19.

Whelans is owned by Heineken's pub business Star Pubs & Bars, and new pub operator Austin Whelan.

He said: “This is my third Whelans and the only top end Irish bar in south London. It’s not to be confused with the sort of theme bars that predominated in the 80s.

"Working in a pub in Ireland is seen as profession and Whelans will represent the very best in Irish hospitality, offering top level service and entertainment and great quality food and drink.

“I’ve put my name to the bar and so it is important to me that Whelans is seen as a good community local and valued by people living in the area. I want Whelans bars to stand the test of time and ultimately be run by my children, not disappear after 10 years.

"I’d like to thank the community for the support they gave us through the planning process. We want to work with and be part of the community so the messages of encouragement we received from locals are very much appreciated.”

The interior will resemble a traditional Irish street-scene, and the exterior will be a classic emerald green.

The pub will serve coffee and breakfast in the morning, light lunches and traditional evening pub food - served inside and in a courtyard garden.

It will show rugby, golf, racing and other sports shown on Sky, as well as have live music five nights a week.

Acorn 20 was closed nearly 18 months ago, when its license was revoked during the investigation into a woman being glassed in the face.

Whelans' opening weekend will have three live music events in the evenings, with local band The Laggan playing on Friday, Bible Cult Sundays on Saturday and Hungry Grass on Sunday.