Seven-figure sums invested by JDW, Robinsons and Craft Union

JDW drives £2.6m into latest Leeds opening

JDW has stumped up a £2.6m fare​ to open a new site named after a local bus manufacturer in the Cross Gates area of Leeds.

Following an extensive refurb, the Charles Henry Roe – named after the man who founded the Cross Gates Carriage Works in 1920 – reopened on 21 July. 

The pub, named after a recommendation by the Transport Yorkshire Preservation Group, features bus-themed memorabilia and local artwork with replica bus seating fabric used to upholster some of the bar stools. 

“Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into the pub and we are confident it will be a great addition to the Cross Gates community,” the pub’s manager Tom Reeve said. 

Kings Head gets £420,000 face lift 

The Kings Head in Cromer, Norfolk, has reopened after an extensive £420,000 revamp from Punch Pubs & Co.

“It’s been really amazing to see the transformation of the pub and I’m proud we have a better place for the local community and holiday makers to enjoy,” the pub’s manager Roy Hunt said of the investment. 

“The team and I are so excited to open the doors, and its brilliant the investment has given us more trading space. This helps us to take all the right measures to keep our customers safe at this time”.

Punch’s six-figure investment has seen the coastal pub transformed inside and out, with upgrades ranging from structural work and the relocation of the pub’s cellar and kitchen to the creation of an outdoor trading area.

“This is an exciting investment by Punch in this unique pub that we are thrilled to have completed,” Punch managing director, Andy Spencer said.

“We are excited to continue to work with Roy who is an established pub operator. Combining this fantastic pub with great people who bring a wealth of experience and expertise will ensure the local community and visitors to Cromer will benefit from a terrific pub”.

Eagle wets its beak with £70,000 Hawthorn investment  

The Eagle in Redditch, Worcestershire, has reopened after a £70,000 investment from NewRiver REIT’s pub arm, Hawthorn Leisure.

The overhauled site has been fully redecorated, reconfigured to include new seating areas and seen its two bars revamped to include new pumps. It also boasts new signage and an expanded beer garden.

“Having run the Eagle for four years, I’m hugely excited to have the opportunity to take the pub to new heights following this investment and solidify its position as the beating heart of the community,” publican Becky Rowlands said. 

“The new layout and additional seating areas outside mean we can provide more options for guests and a better overall experience, and I’m looking forward to continuing to provide this fantastic community with the local pub it deserves.”

Craft Union pumps £1m into five sites

As reported by The Morning Advertiser (MA)​, Craft Union Pub Company – a component of Stonegate Pub Company’s unbranded division following its £1.27bn acquisition of Ei – has opened five new sites​ after spending well into seven figures on their refurbishment.  

Craft Union’s new sites include the Punchbowl in Spalding, Lincolshire; the Old House at Home in Maidstone, Kent; the Talbot in Warsop, Nottinghamshire; Ye Old Swan in Barnham, West Sussex; and the Kings Head in Ilkeston, Derbyshire. 

“I am hugely excited to be opening all five of these sites, following their fantastic transformations,” Craft Union’s operations director Frazer Grimbleby said. “The operations team and I were determined we would get them up and running, and ready to serve their communities safely as soon as possible after lockdown, and I’m really happy with what we have achieved.

“We recognise the importance of investment in our sites and strive to create the best possible atmosphere and environments for our customers. We were not going to let the lockdown get in the way of this, seeing it as an opportunity to make improvements and reflect on all of our businesses.”

Robinsons plants seven-figures at Macclesfield’s Flower Pot 

Stockport-based brewer and pub operator Robinsons has announced the reopening of the Flower Pot in Macclesfield​, Cheshire, after pouring £1m into its refurbishment as part of a long-term plan to invest in its 250-strong stable.

Built and opened following the outbreak of World War Two in 1939, the pub was the last of six roadside inns to be erected in the 1930's arts and crafts style.

It took three months to carry out the pub’s most recent revamp, but handing it back to the community, which was supposed to take place in March, was delayed due to lockdown.

"We are delighted to have now reopened the Flower Pot,” Robinsons retail operations manager John Robinson, said. 

"After several difficult months for our industry and the country as a whole, we can't think of a better way to celebrate than providing a safe and secure space for friends and family to enjoy a catch up with great beer and great food."

Seven Bro7hers earmarks four new sites after successful crowdfund 

Manchester-based Seven Bro7hers brewery has outlined plans to open four new beer houses after raising £436,322.

While the brewery was forced to pause plans for a Liverpool bar when the UK entered lockdown in March, their successful crowdfund, which saw them smash their initial target by more than £200,000, means they can now work towards an autumn opening. 

What’s more, the fund will allow Seven Bro7hers to open a site in Leeds in 2021 as well as two more beer houses by 2022.

“We’ve built a business on core values around simplicity, transparency, locality and family – now we have extended our family even further with 1,000 new investors,” CEO Keith McAvoy said.

“We are excited to have come out of lockdown, seeing our beer houses reopen and web shop thrive. This month, we celebrate six years of Seven Bro7hers, we are grateful to everyone who has supported our business and invested, we promise to make you proud of your investment.”

The brewer’s four new sites will join an estate featuring two beer houses in Manchester, a taproom in Salford, and a partnership bar in Manchester Airport’s new terminal two when it reopens.

Tokyo Industries rescues Gorilla and The Deaf Institute 

Two musical mainstays of Manchester’s late-night scene have been saved from the brink of closure after being acquired by club, bar and music venue operator Tokyo Industries.

The sites’ former owner Mission Mars revealed acquisition terms included the retention of all team members and the venues would be run in a similar way under the ownership of 32-site operator Tokyo Industries.​

“These are extremely difficult times for all grassroots music venues around the UK,” Tokyo Industries founder Aaron Mellor said.

"It's vital venues like Gorilla and The Deaf Institute are kept alive, the cultural fabric of our city centres depends on venues like these."

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