Greene King launches eighth Hive Pubs site, and pubs reopen after revamps

Greene King Pub Partners launch eight Hive Pubs site after £340k investment​

Greene King Pub Partners has launched its eighth Hive Pubs site, the Norfolk Terrier, after a £340k investment.

The pub, which is situated in Thetford, Norfolk, will be run by new franchisee Louise Burden, who was previously at the helm of the Green Dragon in Thetford.

The Norfolk Terrier, which has been closed for more than two and a half years, has been revamped to create a modern look and feel. The pub will offer an extensive range of food and drink in line with the Hive Pubs branded concept.

Burden said: “Having run a franchise pub with a different operator, taking on a Hive Pub as a franchisee was the natural next step for me.

“Greene King have provided me with a fully invested and revamped pub with a proven concept, plus I get a guaranteed franchise fee on top of the usual share of turnover as well as other bonus opportunities.”

Read more here​

Leeds bar and social space set for Spring launch​

Green Room, a social space, eatery and rooftop bar is set to open in Leeds’ business district this spring.

The vegan-friendly £3m venue will function as a bar by night, and coffee bar and eatery by day, and will be located in the historic building between the Channel 4 HQ and the newly renovated Majestic Building.

Furthermore, the venue’s design blends a mix of industrial fittings, warm soft furnishings, reclaimed furniture and lush greenery. There is also a rooftop bar, which will play host to summer BBQs and local DJ talent.

At night, vegan dishes on the main menu will include a signature Burger with Meatless Farm patty, vegan mozzarella, crispy bacon and all the trimmings. The bar will be stocked with craft beers and ales from local breweries including Northern Monk, Kirkstall Brewery and Magic Rock, and the rooftop bar will serve cocktails such as Watermelon Mojito and a North Star Espresso Martini.

Green Room is also home to a pair of luxury two-bedroom apartments, which are available to rent for midweek and weekend stays.

Green Room is the brainchild of two entrepreneurs, Will Habergham and Kirk Allen, who have spent the past decade working in clubs, events, and music festivals.

New Zealander Havergham took inspiration for the concept from a trip to New Zealand, who have been at the forefront of championing venues that focus on recycling, sustainability, and a healthier lifestyle. He said he was “really proud” of the project, with the venue designed to work both in and outdoors to cater to the often-unpredictable Leeds weather.

According to Allen, the pair were “really excited” to launch their concept in Leeds after a challenging two years spent planning, prepping and renovating.

“We believe the people in this city are more than ready to embrace venues that champion a strong focus on sustainability and healthier living, whilst also providing a setting and atmosphere that’s both fresh and unique to the city,” he said, and added, “we can’t wait to welcome our first guests next month.”

Local pub reopens after £163k refurbishment​

The Blackstock, a local community pub in Sheffield, reopened last Thursday (14 April) following a combined investment of £163,000 from Admiral Taverns and operators Debra Baggaley and David Spurr.

Once inside the pub, guests will be able to enjoy a more relaxed look and feel. Baggaley and Spurr have separated the pub into two different spaces so customers can choose their preferred atmosphere for the visit. The lounge area offers a cosy space, whereas the sparts bar-inspired side offers somewhere livelier where residents can watch horse racing.

Baggaley said: “David and I have been friends for years and have always talked about how much we wanted to run a pub together, so when the Blackstock became available it felt like it was meant to be.”

Spurr continued to say the pair had worked really hard to create a space that appeals to local residents. “It’s a social hub and a community pillar,” he added.

Upon reopening, the pub will host pool nights on Mondays and Wednesdays, a swell as darts evenings on Thursdays. Disco and karaoke nights will also happen at the weekends.

Admiral Taverns business development manager Dale Huntington said it had been “fantastic” to see the results of the extensive refurbishment. He said: “Debra and David have given the Blackstock the new lease of life it deserved and I’m really looking forward to seeing them reintroducing it to the community. I wish them the best of luck!”

South Shields restaurant for sale through Christie & Co​

Specialist business property adviser Christie & Co has announced Tuscano’s restaurant is currently listed for sale through its Hospitality team.

Located in South Shield’s town centre, close to the South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, this Italian restaurant benefits from a large clientele, with the restaurant inviting offers of more than £55,000.

The current owner has operated the business for 25 years and is looking to retire. Currently, the site opens on Tuesday through to Saturday evenings, plus Saturday lunch. The sale provides the new owner with the opportunity to extend the opening hours.

Christie & Co hospitality business agent Marslie McGregor commented: “I am delighted that the owner has entrusted me to look after the sale of Tuscanos after dedicating many years to its success. Selling something you have been passionate about for years is not easy.

"Demand in the hospitality industry is great and we expect much interest from not only other restaurant owners, but potentially locals and private individuals who appreciate and understand how much of a household name Tuscanos really is.”

Sussex village pub set to reopen after two years​

The Royal Oak in Handcross, West Sussex, is set to reopen within the next four months following a refurbishment after being closed for two years.

The pub was on the market through leisure property specialists Fleurets who says there was “strong interest” among buyers.

Fleurets divisional director told Sussex World:​ “The property presented the opportunity for the new owner to put their own stamp on the Royal Oak with the opportunity to complete the refurbishments.

“The newly refurbished Royal Oak is due to open in the coming four months and they will be looking to recruit within the local community.”

• To find out about pubs for sale, lease and tenancy go to our property site.​
• If you have any information regarding new openings or property details you think could be used in this weekly round-up section, along with hi-res landscape images, please email nzryvr.znhevpr-wbarf@jeoz.pbz​ before midday on Tuesdays.