A Twickenham pub has been converted into a smokehouse after a £300,000 investment.

Twickenham Tavern, in London Road, closed in October 2014 and has now re-opened as Blue's Smokehouse after the huge investment by Star Pubs and Bars and pub and restaurant operator Carlos Maidana.

Recreating the feel of the America's deep south, the barbecue restaurant has created 35 jobs and Blue's Smokehouse executive chef Jackie Weight, former world barbecue champion, was on hand to launch the restaurant with a gourmet barbecue cook off.

Mr Maidana has imported two smoking ovens from America and visitors can see how their meat is cooked and carved which, he said, adds to the authentic experience.

He added: "Smokehouse barbecues are really taking off in the UK and we’re excited to be introducing it to Twickenham - we promise lots of sticky fingers, fun and some great music.

"With its association with rugby, Twickenham is an iconic town and it’s great to be opening here and to be creating a new future for such an individual and high profile building on the London Road."

Blue's Smokehouse also has another branch in Bracknell.