A town centre pub refurbishment has unearthed some hidden gems.

The Alexandra pub landlords Mick Dore and his wife Sarah have been busy carrying out a loft refurbishment at the Wimbledon Hill Road venue.

As part of the renovations they were surprised to find an exposed brickwork fireplace, a newspaper from 1925 and a dusty grey hat hidden in the loft.

The couple, who have run the pub together for six years, have decided to frame the unusual items and expose the original brickwork as part of the new loft space.

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The Alexandra, above. 

Mr Dore first applied for planning permission in January last year, and Merton Council's planning committee gave it the go-ahead in May.

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It was faced with some opposition from the Wimbledon East Hillside Residents’ Association claiming it would cause more problems with customers drinking outside in St Mark’s Place.

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A hidden fireplace.

However, a resident from the area rebuffed the claim as they suggested by offering more food and increasing seating areas for more than 46 customers it will alleviate the concerns of those who objected.

Mr Dore said: "The loft space was a part of the original building so we had to clear it out, and when we did, we found an old bunton, the newspaper and if you know Tommy Steel, his sort of hat.

“It was amazing to see it and to find the fireplace, as we didn’t even know it was there.

"It looks incredible as it has the original brickwork, which we are keeping.

“The loft is taking a lot of work, but when it is open it will be spectacular and I hope everyone will love it.”

With the previous roof terrace, food had to be carried up and down the stairs by members of staff. With the introduction of a new kitchen, it means the bar can introduce a new food menu for their customers.

Mr Dore, 49, added: “The paper has so many different stories; it has a baby being found in Waterloo after being kidnapped in Barnes as well as different news stories across London.

“It is called the Daily Chronicle, I have actually never heard of it, but it looks like an old type version of the London Evening Standard.

“I cannot wait for all the customers to see it, as it is fascinating to read, the loft will be so cool.”

The Daily Chronicle was a London-based newspaper which was first published in 1872 and it was not until 1930 it merged with the Daily News to become the News Chronicle.

The loft conversion is set to open on Easter weekend.