PROPERTY ROUND-UP
Rekom to open UK's first Proud Mary, music bars open doors, pubs reopen after revamps
Independent bar opens in Leeds
An independent bar called Delirium and Revelry has opened in New Briggate, Leeds, offering inventive cocktails, eclectic music and vintage-inspired interiors.
The West Yorkshire venue, which is the brainchild of Lydia Phillips and Andy Hedley, is located at the Grand Arcade, just next door to Brotherhood.
The bar, which takes up the space previously occupied by Hardy’s, has been reinvented with a jungle theme that includes animal light fittings with Edison bulbs, turquoise booths and upcycled furniture.
A small private VIP room on the first floor can accommodate up to 10 guests and features a secret sliding bookshelf. The bar also has a large second floor, which Phillips and Hedley plan to transform into a speakeasy bar with retro arcade machines.
The site is licensed to serve alcohol until 3am on weekends and closes at 4am. The music policy will be eclectic, ranging from hip hop during the day, to disco house, garage and techno as the night progresses.
Co-founder Phillips said first fell in love with Leeds about seven years ago when she came here for university and was “blown away” by the nightlife.
She believed there was a decent bar on almost every corner of the city, with a warm Northern vibe and a host of familiar and friendly faces.
“Having worked both behind the bar and later behind the scenes, I feel I’ve got a good eye for what works and what doesn’t,” said Phillips.
She continued: “My business partner and friend Andy is a local lad who’s had similar experiences to myself, and we just decided the time had come to give it a shot ourselves.
“Delirium & Revelry has been a real passion project for both of us, and we’re confident we’ve created a space that’s truly unique, whilst at the same time complementing the existing bars in the Merrion Street area.
“As small independent ourselves, it’s important that we support each other, as well as other local breweries and businesses.
“Sustainability is also high on our agenda, and we’ve tried to integrate this into building the brand, by using upcycled furniture and recyclable bar accessories wherever we can. We’ve had a lot of late nights getting ready for launch and can’t wait to welcome our first guests to the bar.”
Music venue undergoes full makeover
The Nowhere Inn, Plymouth, Devon, has received a full makeover by owners Red Oak Taverns.
The pub, which is run by operator Matt Downing, has been redecorated inside and out, and includes a refurbished bar as well as new staging and sound system for live music events.
The interior’s furniture, flooring and toilets have all been upgraded and music memorabilia is featured throughout the venue.
Downing said: “The customers are really enjoying the variety of music available. With the new PA system, which is benefiting both the customers and musicians, we now have a broad range of music at the pub from rock to country and blues as well as open mic and jam nights. The talented local artists now have a great stage in which to perform at the pub.”
Speaking about the pub investment, Red Oak Taverns business development manager Jeff Dunn said: “The Nowhere Inn is a unique pub that is famous for live music.
“The transformation sets it apart and the customers and bands love it. The renovated interior and exterior will ensure that the pub can continue to offer great gigs for more people.”
17th century pub returns following £350k investment
The Moorend Spout in Nailsea, North Somerset, has reopened following independent pub operators Punch Pubs & Co’s £350,000 expenditure.
Management partners Mel and Chris Lippett have taken the helm at the 17th century pub, which has been completely transformed. Inside, Punch has modernised the bar and restaurant, enhancing the floor, seating and dining area.
What’s more, the garden and outdoor space has been relandscaped to include improved bench seating and festoon lighting. The pub will also serve as an essential refreshments stop for those exploring the Avon and Somerset countryside.
Mel and Chris have lived locally for several years and are thrilled to have found the Moorend Spout. Mel said: "We're excited to reintroduce the Moorend Spout to the local community.
“The investment from Punch has allowed for some great upgrades and modernisation throughout that will certainly make guests happy. The new menu is already proving popular, which is great, and we cannot wait to meet and get to know all our guests."
Chris, an experienced chef, has also prepared a new menu of pub classics include chicken and ham pie and Sunday roast.
Punch senior operations manager Rupert Reeves said: “We're incredibly proud to have been able to significantly invest in this pub and offer it a new lease of life.
“Its new menu and revitalised and characterful features make it somewhere for all to enjoy, and I have no doubt, with Mel and Chris leading the way, this pub will thrive at the heart of its community, ensuring its success for many years to come.”
Historic inn reopens with new look
The Angel Inn, a pub perched above Highgate Village, north London, opened on Friday 8 July following an extensive four-week refurb.
The pub has been given a facelift while keeping its traditional look and feel inside. Changes include new soft furnishings and an outdoor dining area, with the bar changing and plenty more seating.
The pub, which dates back to 1888, is best known for Monty Python actor Graham Chapman visiting regularly.
Rachel George, general manager at the inn, said: “The team and I can’t wait to welcome you into the refurbished Angel Inn.”
Grade II listed pub reopens with new rooms
Grade II listed pub the Mitre, on Greenwich High Road, southeast London, after a four-week revamp.
Changes to the pub include a complete redecoration, new covered and heated external space, a new function room as well as improved bookable space.
The 24-bedroom hotel attached to the historic pub is also having a revamp and recently reopened.
The Mitre general manager Chris Gray commented: “We are really looking forward to welcoming our guests, old and new, back to see how our already beautiful and iconic pub has been improved and gives the local area a business to be proud of.
“We are also really pleased that due to the refurbishment we could partner with a number of local charities to donate a significant amount of hotel furniture to help the homeless & families in need.”
Rekom to open UK’s first Proud Mary pub
Rekom will open as the UK’s first Proud Mary pub at the end of October after having acquired the former Yard Bar on Cardiff’s St Mary’s Street.
The bar, pub, and club operator – which operates over 200 sites internationally and 48 in the UK – plans to open another Proud Mary pub in Swansea in early 2023.
The first pub will be a two-floor venue with capacity for 950 and will add to Rekom’s five existing venues in Wales. It will serve a range of drinks and beer and feature live sports, as well as local bands on weekends and music bingo and quiz nights during the week.
Read more here
Punch relaunches the Ship after £360k overhaul
North-east pub the Ship has reopened following a £360,000 investment by Punch Pubs & Co with Glenn and Penny Robertson taking the helm.
The pub, located in Eighton Banks, between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Sunderland, has undergone a complete internal and external refresh and Punch said guests will “fall in love with this great British pub’s traditional features”, which include a wooden etched bar area that has been enhanced in the makeover.
Outside, the pub’s extensive garden area has benefited from new, improved seating and tables with those walking to the Angel of the North statue in mind.
Management partner Glenn is an experienced chef who will take the lead in the kitchen and serve the pub’s new menu, which includes pub classics such as lamb rump and Sunday roasts.
Glenn and Penny already have a strong connection to the pub and local community, having been regulars at the pub in the past. With more than 25 years’ experience in pubs and hospitality between them, the couple had been looking for their own pub for some time and jumped at the chance to run the Ship.
Penny said: “As soon as we saw it, we just knew it was the perfect pub for us. I used to visit the pub in its glory days and having the chance to reimagine that and bring it back to its best is just so exciting. We’re so passionate about it and cannot wait for guests to return and experience it.”
Punch Pubs senior operations manager Jannine Leadbetter added: “We're incredibly proud to have been able to significantly invest in this pub and revitalise it for all to enjoy.
“It’s now somewhere for all to enjoy and, I have no doubt, with Glenn and Penny leading the way, this pub will thrive at the heart of the community, ensuring its success for many years to come.”
Read more here
