PROPERTY ROUND-UP

Bedfordshire pubs back in business, bars open doors, operator sought for haunted pub

04-May-2022 - Last updated on 27-May-2022 at 15:32 GMT

Booming business: Bars and pubs across the country open their doors following makeovers

Two Bedfordshire-based pubs are back in business after investments and revamps, new bars open across the country and Greene King is seeking an operator brave enough to man a haunted venue.

Didsbury Gin to open central London bar

Didsbury Gin’s first ever gin bar will launch in Market Halls, Victoria, central London on Friday 6 May.

The floral-themed bar will serve cocktails including a blood orange breakfast martini, a raspberry & elderflower spritz to a classic G&T serve.

Didsbury Gin head of marketing Amy Harrison said: “We’re so excited to launch our first ever Gin Bar and Market Halls is the perfect fit. We’ve been working hard to perfect our summer serves, and we can’t wait to see guests enjoying our gin cocktails in such a great venue. It’s the start of a really great partnership with a brand we really admire, see you at the bar!"

Didsbury Gin was created in 2017 by Mark Smallwood and Liam Manton. The gin is brewed and distilled in Manchester using only natural ingredients and the full range is vegan friendly.

"What better way to kick start summer than with this fab new gin bar,” said Market Hall head of operations Dominique Addison.

She continued: “We have been looking forward to this for so long and it’s great to see everything come together. We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying some delicious Didsbury cocktails down at Victoria and we are so excited to be working with the Didsbury team"

Newcastle Revolution bar to reopen after £190k investment

Newcastle’s Revolution bar, which came to the city in 2001, will reopen on 13 May after a £190,000 investment.

The money will fund an open plan look centred around a luxury feel. The bar, which is situated on the corner of Collingwood Street and Pudding Chare, will pay tribute to the local area, with décor showcasing Newcastle’s Angel of the North with a vodka twist taking main stage.

The refurbishment brings a brand new ‘best seat’ VIP booth and updated seating areas with a new lighting show and DJ booth.

Revolution Newcastle sales and events manager Meagan Hill said: “I am super excited for the venue to reopen with its new look on 13 May. The refurbishment includes an updated look to our beautiful Grade II listed building, highlighting the historic bank features, with a Revolution twist.”

“We can’t wait to kick off our relaunch with a huge agenda, starting on Thursday 26 May with the launch of our new bottomless dinner, on Friday we are hosting our corporate re-launch event and then going onto our main event of the week - our huge Saturday re-launch party.

“We have such an exciting line up of big entertainment including DJ’s, sax players, percussionists and so much more across the weekend – this will be a party like no other at Revolution Newcastle.”

Greene King seeks new owner for haunted Scottish pub

Suffolk-based pubco Greene King is offering a discounted rent to any operator brave enough to man the Osnaburg Bar in Forfar, Angus, which is fabled to be one of Scotland’s most haunted pubs.

The company is offering a rent of just £75 per week for the first three months to help a new owner to set up their business at the venue, which is in “great condition” for a new operator to immediately come and start serving drinks, according to Greene King.

Rumour has it a restless spirit haunts the pub and spooks people from its cellars, with members of staff reporting unexplainable activity across the years. Paranormal groups have even visited the pub, with claims they found strong evidence of ghostly activities.

Greene King Pub Partners business development manager Billy Guthrie said: “The historic and charming Osnaburg Bar is the best local in town and is famous for its warm and friendly welcome – ghosts included! The site is in excellent condition and any new publican has heaps of potential to take the Oz to the next level.

“Someone who loves to play a vital role in their community and breathe new life into an area will relish running this pub.”

Grade II listed pub on the market

Northampton-based pub the Old Black Lion in West Northamptonshire has been brought to the market by Fleurets.

Located near the railway station and town centre, the Grade II listed pub is situated adjacent to St Peter’s Church. Partly as a result of this position, the pub has been given a £2m grant, which has been secured by the Church Conservation Trust, for its refurbishment.

The historic inn offers a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, with the first floor operating as a function room. The venue also has external courtyard seating areas and has separate licensee’s living accommodation.

The pub is now available to let with rental offers invited for a new free of tie lease.

Birmingham divisional director Monique Royle commented: “The landlords (The Churches Conservation Trust) are intending to undertake a comprehensive restoration and refurbishment of this fabulous old building to include bar, restaurant, courtyard seating and first floor function room, so this is a fantastic opportunity to really develop a unique business.”

Bedford pub back in business

The Pheasant, in Bedford, Bedfordshire, has opened after a complete makeover of its interior rooms and exterior garden area.

There has been a refurbishment of the indoor décor, and the garden has been overhauled to create seating space for more than 200 people.

The Pheasant general manager Karen Prior said: “I’m so pleased that we’re able to welcome back The Pheasant to the people of Bedford and our local community. We know this is a much-loved pub and the team can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”

Guests can look forward to a pub menu serving nibbles and sharers, fantastic pub classics and an extensive selection of award-winning beer, brewed just down the road from Brewpoint.

Bedfordshire pub reopens following Greene King investment

The White Horse in Arlesey, Bedfordshire has reopened following a joint investment from pub owners Greene King Pub Partners and new licensee Hertfields, a local pub and events company run by Steve Birch.

Having opened its first pub eight years ago, Hertfields now operates two pubs in Hertfordshire, but the reopening of the White Horse marks the company’s first Bedfordshire site.

Hertfields founder and White Horse licensee Steve Birch said: “We’re so excited to invest in and reopen the White Horse and give Arlesey a great new pub.

“Working with Greene King Pub Partners, we have invested in the pub to give it a new lease of life. It really is looking fantastic.”