Reading, Berkshire has seen the opening of pub group Barracuda's sixth Cape-branded pub and grill outlet.

The site was formerly operating as Varsity, another of the company's brands, with the new Cape surroundings of chesterfield-style armchairs, high top bar stools, leather sofas, cosy booths and a South African-inspired menu being a radical departure from the large-format, student and promotions-led Varsity offer. Mark McQuater, Barracuda's chief executive, said: "We've been developing the Cape concept over the past couple of years to make it aspirational without being exclusive; improving it with each bar we open in areas where there is a clear fit.

"Reading has a highly competitive pub and bar circuit that is constantly changing, but I am confident our new look Cape will do well." The revamp, which has created 16 new full and part-time jobs, is part of Barracuda's ongoing £7m investment programme. This has seen the refurbishment and rebranding of more than 50 pubs and bars across the company's 220-strong portfolio in the past year.

Reading's new Cape pub joins others in Stirling, Stockton Heath, Nottingham and St. Katherine's Dock and Aldermanbury in London.