A ONCE thriving York pub today had its first name change in nearly 150 years - as it attempts to develop a new image and become a "centre of excellence".

From today, the Punch Bowl, in Lowther Street, will be known as The Independent.

New owner Daniel Pettigrew said his research showed the Punch Bowl name went back as far as 1853 - but he believed it could date from even further back.

But he said he felt the time was now right for a change.

He said: "The place is ready for it. I felt a change of name, and the choice of name, would help with what we are trying to achieve here, and there are also another two Punch Bowls in York."

Lowther Street's Punch Bowl was once a thriving pub with a large crowd of regulars, but in recent years some customers have drifted away.

Daniel, however, has bought a 30-year lease - and hopes to give the place a new lease of life.

And he said that when the ongoing major refurbishment was finished the pub would be "revitalised".

He said: "We want to offer all our customers something they'll enjoy while also offering the facilities that traditional pubs have.

"We don't want it to be a 'fun bar', but we do want it to be a place for people to have fun."

New ideas for the pub include blues and soul nights, a space invaders machine, traditional pub games and film screenings.

Daniel also plans to set up a website dedicated to the pub, put webcams in every room and computer screens in the lounge area.

Daniel added: "The refurbishment will pause for Christmas and New Year, but we hope it will be completed by the end of January or mid-February.

"It is a challenge, but it is one I am looking forward to and one I'm feeling very positive about. I do a lot of market research and am happy that this place can become the centre of excellence it has the potential to be."

Updated: 14:49 Tuesday, December 11, 2001