Community pub reopens after £155k refurb
The Castle, a local community pub in Swindon, reopened on Friday 19 of May following a £155,000 investment from Admiral Taverns.
Together with the pub company, the passionate licensee, Audrey Kamugisha – alongside her partner Adam Willis – has worked hard to breathe a new lease of life into the pub ahead of the summer.
Throughout the refurbishment, Kamugisha has made sure to retain the pub’s traditional features, whilst enhancing the overall look and feel with brand-new modern furniture, fixtures, and fittings.
Inside, the pub features brand-new bars, new flooring, a new stage, a darts board, pool table and deep-red painted walls.
Outside, customers will be greeted by a newly painted grey and white exterior alongside brand new lighting and signage.
Additionally, the Castle’s courtyard has been fitted with new sheltered seating.
Kamugisha said: “It really is such an honour to take over the Castle with my partner Adam by my side.
“I know how much this pub means to local residents so I am delighted to have this opportunity, and I can’t wait to further cement its place in the community.
“Having lived in Swindon for 20 years, the Castle holds a very special place in my heart, and I am excited to reunite all locals with their adored pub.”
Ex-football star Bridge opens sports bar Clubhouse 5
Stonegate officially launched its state-of-the-art sports bar Clubhouse 5 on Wednesday (17 May) with former football star Wayne Bridge meeting customers on the night.
Bridge, who played for England, Chelsea and Manchester City, among others, helped promote the Champions League semi-final match at the bar, which saw former club City put European champions Real Madrid to the sword with a dominant 4-0 win.
Stonegate said Clubhouse 5 “will provide fans with an experience second only to being at a live game”.
The site, which was revealed to be operated by award-winning licensee Paul Eastwood by The Morning Advertiser earlier this month, is spread across two floors, inspired by sporting nostalgia and adorned with sport artwork, retro football shirts and memorabilia.
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NWTC opens first North Light site
New World Trading Company (NWTC) has announced the opening of its first North Light venue in Cheshire.
Inspired by the creativity and history of Chester, NWTC said the venue aims to support the local community, shine a light on up-and-coming artists and champion the city’s historical and creative scene.
The first works on display were selected in partnership with Moden Art Chester.
Modern Art Chester founder Juliet Cook said: “The aims and inspirations of North Light align with the vision that Modern Art Chester has for its artists.”
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Shepherd Neame pub reopens after £250k refurb
Independent operator and brewer Shepherd Neame has reopened a pub in Surrey following a £250,000 investment.
The Windsor Castle in Carshalton recently welcomed customers back, having previously closed for several weeks as the business transitioned from a tenanted site to a Shepherd Neame managed house.
While closed, the pub, which dates back to 1860, also benefitted from refurbishment and redecoration throughout, including to its spacious bar and restaurant area.
Further renovations to the pub’s exterior, including the courtyard area and garden, are planned for the near future.
In addition, the pubco, which operates more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South-East, has also introduced a new menu, using locally sourced produce, to pair with its selection of ales and beers. An extensive range of drinks is also on offer, from Shepherd Neame’s award-winning range of ales and lagers to premium wines and spirits.
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BrewDog to open sites at travel hubs
Craft brewer and operator BrewDog is set to roll out expansion plans at airport and railway stations across the UK.
The business has teamed up with food and beverage outlet operator SSP Group to bring the Scottish brand to various travel locations nationwide with London Gatwick to be the first outlet scheduled to open in December.
BrewDog Gatwick will offer guests dishes including chicken wings while it’s drink offer will feature rare and exclusive beers sourced from the company’s beer programme.
The bar will also feature the brand’s classic alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks menu including spirits, cocktails, wines, soft and hot drinks.
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Farr Brew take on Greene King pub after £300k revamp
The Bell in Tring, Hertfordshire, has reopened its doors under new ownership after a £300,000 investment by pub owner Greene King Pub Partners.
The pub will be operated by multiple operator and Hertfordshire-based brewery Farr Brew. Farr Brew also operates the Elephant & Castle in Wheathampstead with Greene King Pub Partners, which recently won ‘Best Rural Craft Beer Pub’ at the SIBA Business Awards 2023.
The Bell, which is believed to be one of the oldest pubs in Tring, has been transformed into an upmarket and contemporary pub.
Greene King Pub Partners managing director Dan Robinson said: “I am delighted to be growing our successful business partnership with Farr Brew as we help it to grow its award-winning pub business.
“I look forward to seeing the Bell go from strength-to-strength as its second pub with us.”
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