PUB operator JD Wetherspoon is to open a new pub in Redditch on Friday, May 28, which will create 40 jobs and commemorate an important part of the town’s history.

The company has spent £850,000 re-developing the outlet, on the site of the former Chicago Rock Cafe in Unicorn Hill.

The Wetherspoon pub, which will be called The Royal Enfield, will be managed by James Doughty.

The pubs name refers to the famous motorcycle manufacturers BSA and Royal Enfield, which were based in Redditch during the 20th century. BSA was in the town from 1911-1926 and Royal Enfield was associated with Redditch for approximately 60 years.

The company produced a stream of successful motorcycles, including the Meteor, Clipper, Crusader and Constellation, until it stopped trading in 1967.

The new pub will specialise in real ales, serving a wide range of beers, including those from local and regional brewers, as well as an exclusive ale called The Bullet brewed by Stourbridge-based Sadler’s Ales.

The pub will be wheelchair accessible and have a specially-adapted toilet for people with disabilities.

The new-look outlet will feature one bar, a dance floor and a pavement-cafe-style area to the front of the pub, where smoking will be permitted.

There will be music throughout the evening from 5pm, as well as a DJ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Photos and information boards relating to the history and characters of the area will be displayed in the pub.

Manager James Doughty said: “I am looking forward to welcoming customers into the pub and am confident that it will be a good addition to Redditch’s social scene.”

The company already runs The Rising Sun pub in Alcester Street.