The company will implement a major £1.5m refurbishment of Tattershall Castle, its flagship floating bar and restaurant in London.
The Golden Fleece in Chelmsford, Essex, will also be given a £100,000 facelift with its live music offer being boosted by an extended stage area, as well as new informal seating to support a revamped food and drink range.
Tattershall Castle closed on New Year’s Eve and will leave its berth on the Embankment in mid-January to be towed down the Thames initially to Gravesend, and from there by sea tow to dry dock in Hull.
When it returns to its London mooring in April, it will have a brand new look inside and out. Customers will be able to book ‘cabins’ - new private booths in the main lounge - in advance for drinks and meals. The Club Room will boast improved facilities for the performers, more areas for private parties, and there are plans to apply for a licence to perform weddings and civil ceremonies. The on-deck barbecue will be enhanced to reflect the latest menu trends.
Landmark
Nigel Wright, chief operating officer of TCG, said, “The Tatts is a London landmark, known around the world, and we’re delighted that this upgrade will improve and extend the facilities on-board and further enhance its place at the heart of the London social scene.”
He added: “The Golden Fleece is a great, broad-based community pub. We invested a significant sum in 2013 in improving the outdoor area to make it the best beer garden in Chelmsford, and improved the toilet facilities in 2014. This final stage of the project will further expand the offer for regulars as well as extending the pub’s appeal to more customers.
“We are currently undertaking a strategic review of the development opportunities within the TCG estate, as part of our continuing goal of making our pubs and bars the best in their localities.”