The pub, in Hexham, Northumberland, received money from licensee Fiona Beck and Admiral Taverns to the tune of £460,000, which was supplemented by the award of £240,000 from Northumberland County Council and Historic England through the Hexham High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme (HSHAZ) to complete an external and internal overhaul.
Beck, who has 30 years’ experience in the hospitality industry from working in and running pubs, took on her first pub with Admiral Taverns six and a half years ago and has now taken on a second challenge.
She said: “I have loved every minute of running [former pub] the County Hotel with Admiral Taverns so when the opportunity to take over the Coach & Horses came up, I couldn’t refuse it.
“It had always been my dream to become my own boss and run my own pub so the fact I now run two incredible Hexham pubs is fantastic. I am so excited to re-establish its presence within the area and showcase its refreshed look to new and existing customers.”
Bridging the gap
Beck has managed to maintain the traditional aspects of the 18th century Coach & Horses pub throughout the refurbishment while making it more contemporary. It was set out across two separate buildings but in the revamp, the two areas have been connected – via a conservatory-style construction – to allow space to operate more efficiently and become more customer friendly between the bar and the lounge.
Admiral Taverns business development manager Stephen Birkett said: “It looks fantastic. It’s been a pleasure working alongside Northumberland County Council and Historic England and supporting Fiona to bring her vision come to life. I have no doubt that she is the perfect licensee to take the pub forward, a cornerstone of her community and she has really bought people together.”
The HSHAZ scheme is in place to revitalise the town’s historic centre making it a more attractive, engaging and vibrant place for people to live, work, invest and visit.
Punch investment
Meanwhile, Punch Pubs and licensees Brian and Selena Ogden have ploughed £180,000 into a renovation of the Butchers Arms in Bishops Itchington, Warwickshire.
A new external redecoration includes a revamped garden along with an internal refresh. The garden has new furniture and a stretch tent, complete with lighting and heating.
Internally, the pub’s large central bar area has been renovated and a new food menu has been installed.
The Ogdens, who have run the Butchers Arms for more than a decade, said: “We absolutely love this pub and the community it serves. We’re thrilled with the results of the investment – it looks amazing, and we cannot wait for our guests and friends to come and have a look.”
Senior operations manager Sarah Edmunds added: “It’s a beautiful ‘proper’ local pub and the investment we have completed here has really enhanced the offer.”
