Draper and Shotton, who sold Redcomb to Young’s last year, are undertaking a joint £580,000 refurbishment with Star Pubs & Bars to transform the Victoria in Woodham, Surrey.
The pub has been closed for more than a year and the investment means it will be transformed into a family-friendly village local.
The new site follows the launch of Prospect Pub & Bars, which started with the Evenlode in Eynsham, on the outskirts of Oxford.
Shotton and Draper bought the freehold site for £1.75m in July last year and have seen refurbished the pub as well as adding seven en-suite bedrooms.
Company strategy
Draper said: “Despite the current situation, our strategy remains to acquire three to five sites a year for the next five years, comprising of a mix of freehold, leased and tenanted sites and it’s great to finally be able to get these wheels back in motion.
“Our ambition is to create a group of successful and profitable pubs and pubs with rooms that are accessible to all, with a well-positioned premium offering,
“The Victoria, like the Evenlode, is ideally located to attract a local audience as well as those travelling through the area for business or pleasure.”
The investment at the Victoria will create a 120-cover restaurant and bar that meets Covid-19 safety measures alongside outdoor seating for 160 on the terrace plus parking for 40 cars.
Interior changes include new bifold doors opening onto the terrace, stripping the pub back to highlight original features such as fireplaces and wooden floors and upcycled traditional furniture.
The outside will showcase a children’s play area and picnic benches for diners wishing to sit in the garden.
Difficult times
Pub classics will be on the menu with a focus on quality meats and sustainable fish and for drinkers, a plethora of well-known, local and international beers and ciders will be on offer alongside local gins, a variety of wines and a collection of low and no-options.
Draper added: “We follow the same simple philosophy for every site we are involved with and that is to create authentic, timeless, quality pubs that are as well-known for their friendly welcome and independent spirit as they are for their fine food and drink and fair prices.
“Covid-19 has delayed our plans but not dampened our enthusiasm to take on the Victoria. We are now on schedule to reopen the pub early November.”
Star Pubs & Bars regional operations director Dugald Macer said the investment would take the Victoria to a new level and ensure it stands out from other pubs in the area.
He added: “Draper and Shotton are very experienced pub operators with a proven track record of running successful pubs.
“They will do wonders for the Victoria and give the local community a great place to meet up after these difficult times.”
