Property round-up: Oakman Inns’ tribute to Peter Pan author and pubcos spend close to £1m
Oakman Inns transforms pub in tribute to Peter Pan creator JM Barrie
Pub operator Oakman Inns has completed the transformation of a former Loch Fyne restaurant in Farnham, Surrey, into the Lost Boy pub in tribute to local author and creator of Peter Pan, JM Barrie.
Designed with the inhabitants of JM Barrie’s Neverland in mind, the pub’s interior is adorned with a Jolly Roger pirate ship, models of pixies, fairies, animals, birds and tribal masks and a number of design quirks.
“I grew up in Farnham and even I was surprised at how enthusiastically supportive everyone in the town has been,” Sue Lawson, the pub’s deputy general manager commented. “I don’t just mean at the opening party but, while we were closed, we had so many people coming to the door and saying how much they were looking forward to the opening.
“Oakman Inns has created the most beautiful place and our fabulous team has been enjoying their first busy week at the Lost Boy.”
Oakman Inns CEO and founder Peter Borg-Neal added: “People want their local to be a special place. Not just somewhere to eat and drink, but a second home where they are made to feel welcome by people who care about being hospitable.
“In addition, they are looking for a little escapism away from the stresses and strains of everyday life, to be able to relax, chat, share and to be together with friends. Hopefully, we have provided them with the environment and the sustenance to do just that."
Star Pubs & Bars site reopens after £385,000 refurb
The Cartvale in Busby, East Renfrewshire, Scotland, has reopened following a 10-week, £385,000, refurbishment project by Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars.
“There’s been lots of interest throughout the work,” licensee Andy Crossan explained. “The Cartvale has the ‘wow factor’ now and people are amazed by the difference.
“Residents who had stopped going to the Cartvale, or had never even been in, are now visiting, as well as new groups such as families and women.
“The aim is to restore the pub as the heart of the community, so the support and feedback has been brilliant.”
Discussing the opening, East Renfrewshire MP Paul Masterton – who officially reopened the venue – added: “Good pubs fulfil an important social function and bring real benefits to the areas they serve.
“It’s great to see investment of this scale in Busby, a local pub’s future secured and the creation of new jobs.”
The investment in the Cartvale is Star Pubs & Bars’ third in the Glasgow area in 2019, with expenditure totalling £800,000 and creating 35 new jobs.
Arc Inspirations to begin £400,000 conversion of Banyan Bar & Kitchen site
Arc Inspirations, the operator of 18 bars across northern England under its Banyan Bar & Kitchen, Manahatta and The Box brands, has outlined a £400,000 refurbishment project in York.
The renovation will see its Banyan Bar & Kitchen site transformed into the latest outlet of its New York-themed concept Manahatta. The site will open in November and is expected to create 40 new full and part-time jobs in the local area upon the refurbishment project’s completion.
Discussing the project, Arc Inspirations’ chief executive Martin Wolstencroft explained: “Our core aim is to continue growing and developing our key brands while we create memorable experiences for local communities.
“We’re delighted to be introducing Manahatta to York and are confident the new bar will bring something different to the area.
“We very much look forward to our guests enjoying everything that Manahatta has to offer.”
Macclesfield pub to reopen after £132,000 Hawthorn Leisure investment
The Old Millstone, on Waters Green in Macclesfield, Cheshire, will host an opening launch party on 27 September following a £132,000 refurbishment project by Hawthorn Leisure.
Reopening under NewRiver REIT’s pub arm, and operator of more than 650 community pubs, the pub will offer converted space for local businesses as well as refurbished sports viewing facilities.
“It’s been a long process, but I’m delighted to confirm the pub will be reopening this Friday (27 September),” licensee Anthony Powell explained. “I know how much the Old Millstone means to everyone in the local community so I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to the new look.
“We’ve invited some local businesses to the launch event so we look forward to greeting them and, of course, welcoming some familiar faces and new customers as well. There will be a complimentary drink on arrival for everyone who has an invitation.”
“Anthony has brilliant experience and a proven track record of running pubs within Hawthorn Leisure so I’m sure the Old Millstone will be a huge success with locals who can look forward to a great welcome and vastly improved community facilities,” Hawthorn’s managing director of operations Mark McGinty added.
Flight Club founders launch Electric Shuffle concept
The first Electric Shuffle site will open in Canary Wharf, east London, on 29 November, after co-founders Steve Moore and Paul Barham decided to give shuffleboard the Flight Club treatment.
“Since 2015, we’ve been on a mission to deliver exhilarating social experiences to as many people as possible,” Moore and Barham explained. “From a pipe dream in a Devon pub, to an ever-growing family of Flight Club venues, it's been an incredible journey so far.
“Now, it’s time for the next step; a surprisingly competitive, delightfully immersive and outrageously thrilling transformation of another traditional pastime. And, we can't wait to share it with you.
“Shuffleboard’s exciting mix of skill and chance and its rich, but sadly forgotten, history made it the obvious choice for our next step. It’s a game that has captivated everyone from Henry VIII through to the village landlord and our modern twist will wow Canary Wharf.”
South London pub to revive historic brewing operation
Operators Keris and Lee De Villiers are reviving the former Brewery Tap in Wandsworth, which had seen brewing on its site since 1533. The south London pub will reopen as the first Young’s site boasting a brewing operation since its merger with Charles Wells 13 years ago.
Keris De Villiers told The Morning Advertiser: “We jumped at the chance because we didn’t realise it would be a tenancy [when Young’s chose to reopen the site].
“It's been a long planning process because it’s such a heritage site. There were a lot of things, so we have had a few delays. It’s just such an exciting project, we’re doing so many different things in the space.
“The pub was sort of a gateway to the Young’s brewery, it has all the historic connotations to the brewery.
“This will be the first brewery on a Young’s site since the Young’s Brewery actually closed down. So it makes it more iconic, if you like.”
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