Punch reopens community pub after £470k revamp
Punch Pubs & Co has reopened Manchester pub the Famous Crown following a £470,000 investment and installed new management partner Dionne Blackshaw.
Punch said its investment has transformed the pub and given a classic site back to Wilmslow Road, Didsbury.
Internally, the pub has received a refurbishment to “inject an infectious ambience around its stand-out central bar area with ample Chesterfield-style booths and bench seating, perfect for socialising and sipping a tasty tipple or two”.
Punch said the new look has enhanced visiting guests’ dining experience along with the launch of a new menu that features quintessential British classics like beef and ale pie to a Sunday Roast.
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Greene King ploughs over £900k into Hive Pub
Greene King Pub Partners has invested £940,000 in its latest Hive Pub the Victoria in Thurston, Suffolk.
The site reopened under Greene King’s leased, tenanted and franchise division on Thursday 8 December. The investment was the biggest made yet by the pubco at a Hive Pub site.
David and Natasha Riggs will operate the pub after leaving positions as experienced JD Wetherspoon pub managers.
The new franchisees said: “Having managed successful pubs, we wanted to take the next step and run our own pub business.
“With the low in-going costs, combined with guaranteed income and full support of Greene King, going down the franchise route was the obvious way to make our dream a reality.”
The pub’s garden has been upgraded with beach huts, covered outdoor seating and wooden furniture. Outside, there is also now a bar and servery.
Inside, the pub has been overhauled with new lighting, furniture, décor and flooring to create a modern look. A sports area has been added to the venue with two dartboards and a contactless pool table.
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Red Oak Taverns pub has new lease of life
The General Elliott pub in Croft, Leicestershire, has received a complete makeover following a joint investment by pub owners Red Oak Taverns and new licensee Henry Coakley.
The 18th century pub features new furniture, flooring and bar layout. The exterior boasts new signage and lighting, and the garden offers heated après ski-style tepees.
The Heathfield function room will also be reopening for private dining, parties and business events and new bifold doors out to the garden will be added in the spring.
The pub also has a new draught beer range and wine list, and its food offering including pub classics, vegan, veggie and fish dishes as well as a kids menu and traditional Sunday roasts.
New Landlord and Croft resident Henry Coakley said: “When my local village pub became available, I knew I needed to take it over and make it a village pub for everyone.
“The refurbishment has enhanced the original features of the pub whilst introducing an up to date and cosy décor. It’s completely transformed inside and out and with our new drinks range, menu and entertainment programme, we are providing a great facility for Croft and the wider area”.
Red Oak Taverns business development manager Barry Lee added: “Henry is from the local area so he knows the village well and has fitted in brilliantly at the pub. The investment has upgraded the pub but kept the traditional features that makes it so special. Together we’ve certainly been able to build a proper pub which the village can enjoy for a long time in the future”.
Alongside the pub transformation, Coakley is developing the neighbouring cottage into a deli and farm shop which will be launched in the Spring.
Thwaites’ joint venture sees rural pub reopen
The Royal Oak, a rural pub in Hornby, Lancashire, reopened last month after being closed for eight years.
After a joint investment from Daniel Thwaites and tenants Helena and Garry Torch, the pub has been restored to its former state.
This isn’t the first time the pair have been tenants at the pub. The couple managed the site before moving to new pastures 12 years ago, but recently they have returned to their old stomping ground.
Daniel Thwaites director of pubs and brewing Andrew Buchanan said the business was “delighted” to have reopened the site.
He continued: “The pub has always been at the heart of the community and to see it restored back to its heyday, with the people who made it a success in the first place, is fantastic.
“The industry has faced many challenges over the last few years, and in a world where some pubs are forced to close, it’s great to be able to share some positive news.”
Helena and Garry said the pub had always felt like home and was a key part of the Hornby community.
“To be able to re-open in time for Christmas, and give back to the locals, is an absolute privilege and we are so excited to continue our journey with Thwaites and see what the future holds.” They added.
Admiral Taverns pub reopens after £185k makeover
The Royal Victoria in Prestatyn, Denbighshire has reopened following an investment of more than £185,000 from Admiral Taverns and brand-new licensees.
Operators Sean Thomas and Debra Gee have made sure to respect the Welsh pub’s history through retaining its traditional features while enhancing its look with modern fixtures.
Inside, the pub features a new bar, wooden tables, flooring and reupholstered chairs as well as a state-of-the-art professional kitchen. Outside, customers will be greeted by new lighting, windows, hanging baskets as well as traditional wooden benches and heaters.
Debra said it was an honour to take over the Royal Victoria which was “going to be our baby”.
She continued: “Prestatyn is somewhere we both hold very close to our hearts, and we can’t wait to pour our heart and soul into the pub and give the wonderful locals their community pub back.”
Debra is also a performer and is looking forward to treating her customers with performances each week. The licensees are also hoping to run bi-weekly music quizzes as well as karaoke nights and live music events.
Admiral Taverns business development manager Becky Whitlock-Torr commented: “It’s hard not to be happy when you’re around Debra and Sean – their passion is totally infectious and I am confident they are the perfect people take over The Royal Victoria.
“Thanks to Debra and Sean the pub is a perfect blend of old and new and I look forward to seeing how they bring it to the forefront of their community.”
Historic venue reopens with new look
The Botanist on the Green in Richmond, southwest London, recently reopened with a new look and feel following a four-week refurbishment.
Changes to the pub include new soft furnishing and an outdoor dining area. It will be launching a variety of events, including brining back its quiz night and starting live music at the weekend.
Guests can tuck into pub favourites like steak and ale pie, fish and chips and prime steak burgers. There is also a drinks menu offering a wide selection of craft beers, ciders and cocktails.
Botanist on the Green general manager Anna Davies said she was “really excited” to welcome locals to the pub who may not have visited in a while.
“The pub is transformed inside, and our friendly team are here and ready to provide great food and a special experience for all,” she added.
West London pub reopens with facelift
The Queens Arms in South Kensington, west London has reopened after an extensive four-week revamp.
The pub, located around the corner from the Royal Albert Hall, combines traditional wood panelling, period features and contemporary touches. It boasts an open fire and al-fresco dining space.
Changes to the venue include new soft furnishing and a centrepiece open pass kitchen with more seating.
The menu offers pub classics like chicken and ham pie, fish and chips and steak burgers. The drinks menu includes newly added cocktails as well as craft beers and ciders.
The Queens Arms general manager Shane Bell said: “It’s an honour to be able to run one of South Kensington's most well-connected beautiful institutions and an even bigger honour to be leading such a special refurbishment. I hope you all love the ‘9s’ new look as much as I do!”
Refurbished 19th century inn opens doors again
19th century coaching inn the Cuckfield reopened on Thursday 10 November following a four-week refurb, giving the pub a new look.
The pub on Wanstead high street, east London, has a large front bar room and a big square room which leads to a beer garden and conservatory. The overall capacity of the pub is 300 people.
The pub has now been revamped with soft furnishings and an outdoor dining area with two new bars and added seating.
New to the menu of pub classics is a bottomless brunch, serving any breakfast dish with either bottomless prosecco or Camden Hells lager.
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