Electric Star & Punch announce new pubs

Inn Collection Group site reopens

The Swan at Grasmere in the Lake District was officially welcomed back to trading after a multimillion-pound, 18-month refurbishment.

The Inn Collection Group (ICG) site was declared open by Grasmere resident Steve Watts, who, among other epic challenges, has scaled Everest to raise money for charity.

He said: “It’s a refurbishment without compromise that ICG has done with the Swan and after two years of Covid, lockdowns and the like, it is fantastic to see the Swan back in business. 

“Everyone has done a really professional job and the pub is stunning, and it was a real pleasure to be asked by the guys to be the ribbon cutter and to declare it open. 

“Let’s look forward to it enjoying another 350 years at least of welcoming people to Grasmere!”    

Originally built in 1650, the Swan is one of the oldest establishments in the national park.

General manager Nigel Brown said the pub’s opening was a “really good day”, and it was great to see so many take up invitations to come see what the Swan is all about.

“We were able to show ourselves in the best light and we’ve had some really useful conversations with people like Wordsworth Grasmere, Grasmere Sports and Windermere Lake Cruises so we’re looking forward to building on what’s been a fantastic start,” he added.

Electric Star adds 8th site to portfolio

The Star in Shoreditch, east London, will launch on 27 April as the eighth edition to Electric Star’s portfolio.

The pub, formally known as the Roadtrip, is a short walk from Old Street station, and has undergone a full makeover.

Its ground floor has been redesigned to cater for large groups and parties, and screens throughout the pub will broadcast major sporting events.

In the basement, live music and DJ sessions will run throughout the week. There’re also a bookable karaoke room suitable for up to 50 people.

At the bar, a selection of craft beers and more than 40 different spirits will be on offer, as well as drinks packages starting from £135.

The venue will partner with Sides and Slides, who will provide slide dishes and chicken.

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Admiral pumps £350k into two pub refurbs​

Chester-based pub company Admiral Taverns has invested £347,000 into two Staffordshire pubs.

The King’s Way in Stoke-on-Trent has received a £135,000 makeover while the Pool Dole, also in Stoke, received a £212,000 renovation.

Investing into its estate through capital expenditure is a core part of Admiral’s strategy. It is also always on the lookout for further ways to support its licensees.

An example of this was last year, the company invested £1m into energy-saving initiatives across about a quarter (450) of its estate in a bid to help combat rising energy costs.

Admiral business development manager Jodie Leigh said: “I am thrilled with the investment projects that have taken place in Stoke-on-Trent – the results look amazing and will ensure both pubs sit at the heart of the community.

“We are continually investing into our pubs across the UK and strongly believe in the importance of offering local communities the resources they need to bring people together.

“Pete, Hayley, Victoria and Lee are all dedicated licensees who are passionate about their pubs and will be a great asset in their local community. We wish them every success in the future.”

Read more here​

Punch snaps up 2 pubs

Punch Pubs & Co has acquired two new community pubs to add to its 1,300-strong portfolio.

The Burton upon Trent-based operator has added the Harrows Inn, Coven, South Staffordshire and the Cornerhouse in Beverley, East Yorkshire, to its portfolio.

The Harrows Inn is known for its food offer, according to Punch, and includes an outdoor space that can seat 160 people. The pubco plans to further invest in the outdoor area with new signage, lighting, and an upgrade to the children’s play area.

A new operator has taken to the helm of the pub, which is open and trading.

Punch’s second pub the Cornerhouse offers a large range of cask ales. The pub group hopes to invest in an internal and external redecoration at the site with new signage, lighting, and a new garden landscape.

The pub also remains open and will undergo investment in September. Following this, the newly appointed operator will launch a food menu that will be served seven days a week.

Punch Pubs head of estate development and acquisitions Andrew Cannons said: “We are so proud to bring these two excellent pubs into our estate. Both pubs have huge potential, and we are confident that under our guardianship, they will continue to thrive at the heart of their communities for many years to come.

“This is an exciting time for Punch, and we are continuing to look for additional high-quality pubs to add to our existing estate.”

Read more here​

Hydes reopens pub after £150k refurb

Hydes Brewery has relaunched the Crown Inn, Cheadle, Cheshire, with a new look in celebration of the King’s Coronation, after a £150,000 refurbishment programme.

The revamp of the traditional pub, originally bought by Hydes in 1965, includes an extensive interior redecoration, improved lighting, new booth seating as well as an updated sound systems and TVs. There’s also a redesigned bar layout and more seating with the addition of a bar side snug.

The Crown Inn manager Caolan Colton has a full programme of live music and entertainment lined up for the Coronation festivities.

Hydes Brewery managing director Adam Mayers said: “The Crown Inn is a friendly, traditional pub which is rich with character and typical of a Hydes pub of today.

“It’s a great pub to relax and enjoy a memorable pint whilst watching a match or live music. The reopening has been timed to coincide with the Coronation so that customers can enjoy the celebrations and officially toast the event in an aptly named pub.

“We’re very happy to see The Crown Inn revitalised with an inviting new look and feel, but still retaining its distinct sense of heritage, which is very important to us and all of our customers.

“Offering the best in fine ales, world lagers, great wines and a warm welcome combined with weekly live entertainment and all the live sporting action, there’s always a reason to visit the Crown.”

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