Metropolitan rebrands site, big pub revamps in Leicestershire and Suffolk

Metropolitan Pub Company rebrands south-west London pub

A pub formerly known as the Swan has become the Rushmere after reopening earlier this month after an extensive renovation by the Metropolitan Pub Company (MPC).

The site has been extensively refurbished to provide “a stylish yet charming pub atmosphere and premium dining experience in the heart of Wimbledon”.

When redesigning the site, MPC said it was essential the heritage of the building and ties to the local area remained unchanged. As such, the new owners worked closely with Wimbledon and St John’s area residents to decide on a new name.

The Rushmere has been named after the iconic pond on the Wimbledon common of the same name as a homage to the pub’s former title. The pond in question is currently home to several white swans, creating the link back to the original site.

The pub is working closely with Wimbledon Brewery to include a selection of local draught options such as Wimbledon Lager and Wimbledon Pale while a new wine list complements a seasonal food menu.

The Rushmere general manager Alex Lockwood-Wells said: “The Swan has always been an incredibly popular local pub and we’re confident the refurbishment and renaming to the Rushmere will only enhance the site, transforming it into a quality space and making it much more appealing for locals and visitors alike.”

MPC currently operates 65 pubs across the UK.

Brighton freehold pub ‘off the market’

The freehold of the Montreal Arms, Brighton, East Sussex, is officially off the market after Stonegate sold the property.

The prominent character property, which is located in the densely populated residential district of Hanover, was on the market with leisure property specialist Fleurets.

The property was under offer within two months of national and local marketing.

Fleurets divisional director Nick Earee said: “We continue to see strong demand from well-funded buyers for leisure properties throughout East Sussex, compounded by a lack of available stock. This combination makes it an ideal time to consider a sale.”

London Essence unveils first permanent bar

Mixers brand London Essence has opened its first permanent bar, on the O2 concourse.

The bar will be open for the O2’s full schedule of events, with a signature cocktail list and a bespoke G&T menu.

It will feature a cocktail menu consisting of a selection of signature cocktails including a Piña Colada Fizz made with London Essence Roasted Pineapple Soda and a Moscow Mule, created using London Essence’s sweet and fiery Ginger Beer.

The G&T menu allows consumers to pick their gin of preference, mix it with one of the five London Essence tonics available from London Essence’s premium Tonic on Tap, including Indian tonic, Elderflower, Rhubarb, Cucumber and Grapefruit, and finally, top it off with a garnish of their choice.

£250k renovation at Leicestershire pub will create 15 jobs

The grade II-listed Glen Parva Manor pub is undergoing a £250,000 renovation with a reopening date slated for 4 April that will create 15 new jobs.

The site in Glen Parva, Leicestershire, which has been part of the landscape since the 15th century, will have an interior update alongside a new food and drink offer. Bosses said it will focus on becoming the “go-to community pub for the local area”.

Original features of the building such as fireplaces, wooden beam ceilings and all external features will have to remain intact and undisturbed will be set alongside more modern furnishings such as plush velvet armchairs to larger wooden ‘family-style’ seating. Alongside a new ‘snug’ and separate bar and dining areas, there will also be an updated garden area.

Managers Peter Darlaston and Lori Phillips, who have been at the Glen Parva for more than 11 years, said: “The Glen Parva is such a unique pub and piece of local history that we wanted that to be showcased in the best way. The work that has gone into the plans, especially because of the heritage listing, look incredible and we can’t wait to see customers old and new enjoying the pub again.”

Prospect Pubs launches new site

Prospect Pubs has opened a new site – the Joiners Arms, a grade II-listed property in Bloxham village, near Banbury, Oxfordshire – following a major refurbishment.

General manager Sian Smith, who leads the new team said: “We’re so excited to finally be able to open our doors and bring the Joiners back to the community of Bloxham and beyond. We’ve been bowled over by the enthusiastic and supportive response we’ve had so far from locals to our reopening, and the very positive feedback we’ve received in terms of how the place looks and the new food and drinks menu that we’re putting into place.

“We can’t wait to welcome our new customers on Thursday and to show off the new look Joiners, plus introduce our fabulous new team. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far and placed a booking over the coming month; we look forward to finally being able to show our gratitude in person when we open.”

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Suffolk pub has new owner after £650k sale

The grade II-listed freehold of the Fountain in Tuddenham St Martin, near Ipswich, has a new owner.

Husband and wife Tom and Ruth Carroll have purchased the Fountain, which was on the market with leisure property specialist Fleurets at a guide price of £650,000.

The Fountain is the couple’s second pub following the acquisition of the Catherine Wheel in Albury, Hertfordshire, last year.

“We are absolutely delighted to be the new owners of the Fountain and are looking forward to building on its existing reputation for good food and great service,” said Tom. “Similar to what we have done at the Catherine Wheel, high-quality locally sourced produce will be at the heart of what we do”

The Fountain like the Catherine Wheel is a village pub at the heart of the community, something the couple see as very important. They hope to eventually build a small portfolio of traditional country pubs with the emphasis on locally sourced produce, excellent home cooked food and great service, where everyone feels equally at home enjoying a meal for a special occasion or popping in for a drink or a coffee with friends.

Ruth added: “The Fountain is a beautiful pub in a lovely setting and previous owners Scott and Charles have built a very special relationship over the years with its loyal customers. The warm feeling and friendly atmosphere were the first thing we noticed about the pub, and with the help of the wonderful existing team we will ensure this continues.”

Albert’s Schloss to open in Liverpool

Mission Mars, the multi-concept operator with a mission to deliver world-class food, drink, entertainment and hospitality experiences, has announced that it is bringing Albert’s Schloss to Liverpool, in a scheme that will create 200 new jobs.

Roy Ellis, CEO of Mission Mars, said: “Our new Albert’s Schloss is in a stunning art-deco building and we’re delighted to be bringing it back to life. We’ve designed a beautiful space, restoring a 1,000 square-foot glazed atrium while installing a large stage, green room, two large bars, an artisan bakery, a fresh tank beer system and restaurant dining for more than 500 guests.

“The first floor will be home to Ludwig’s Tavern, offering artisan Schnapps, a vermouth bar, shuffleboard and other Tavern games. Ludwig's Tavern will be available for private parties and other special events.

“We also have plans for a roof top terrace and a large open air Biergarten around the back. As in other cities, Schloss will recruit the best artistic talent available and offer entertainment seven days a week.”

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NWTC site Botanist site set for Edinburgh launch

New World Trading Company (NWTC) to open a Botanist site in Edinburgh later this year.

It will open in St James Quarter in the Scottish capital. NWTC chief operating officer Natasha Waterfield said: “Bringing our unique concept to Scotland for the first time is hugely exciting moment for the business.

“Finding the right space in any location is paramount and St James Quarter is an innovative development that aligns with our brand and proposition. We can’t wait for the residents of Edinburgh, as well as the many tourists that visit the area, to experience our one-of-a-kind offer at The Botanist.”

Ed Corrigan at St James Quarter added: “The Botanist is a landmark signing for us, and this is reflected by the flagship location they will be occupying in St Andrews Hall. We’ve made a concerted effort to bring together a great mix of distinctive and current brands to St James Quarter and The Botanist will further help reinforce the reputation of the development as the definitive lifestyle district in Edinburgh.”

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Star and TQ2 pump £220k into renovation

Star Pubs & Bars has made a joint investment worth £220,000 with multi-site operator TQ2 to revamp the Fountain in Okehampton, Devon.

Run by Claire Brierley and Anne Tallon, TQ2 was formed just before the pandemic. The business is named after the postcode of their first site, which was the Old Conservative Club in Torquay.

Claire said: “Anne and I have complementary skills. She has a background in accountancy and HR and I have over 20 years’ experience working in the pub trade. In spite of lockdowns and restrictions, our business has got off to a flying start. Our plan is to have a portfolio of 12 freehold and leasehold pubs in the south-west in the next two years as there are some great opportunities and given the right environment people are keen to get out and enjoy themselves.”

Star Pubs & Bars business development manager Andy Spry said: “We’re delighted that a Claire and Anne have added the Fountain to their portfolio.  They’ve got a great track record of adding value to pubs and that’s all with the backdrop of the pandemic. The Fountain will be the only premium local in the area, which together with some great letting rooms will broaden its appeal and give it a new lease of life. Their vision for premium community locals is spot on and just what Okehampton residents want. It looks set to be a real success.”

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