Cricketers’ pub reopens after blaze
Some £1.3m has been spent on restoring and renovating the gastropub following the blaze, which broke out in the early hours of 11 June 2022 after laundry ignited in a tumble dryer.
The pub forms part of The Cat & Wickets Pub Company, owned by England cricketers Gurney and Broad, and won the Leicestershire Pub of the Year award in 2021.
Unexpected opportunity
Gurney, managing director of The Cat & Wickets Pub Company, said: “We are really looking forward to opening our doors once again and welcoming guests back to the Tap & Run.
“A large team of people have worked really hard on the pub’s restoration and renovation. While it was devastating to have to close our doors due to the fire, it has given us an unexpected opportunity to make some improvements that we know our customers will be delighted with.”
Here is how the pub broke the news of the fire in June 2022:
We’re absolutely devastated to report that a fire broke out in the pub during the night. We are heartbroken to see our beautiful pub up in flames. Thankfully no one was hurt We are sorry we will not be able to honour any bookings for the foreseeable future…cont. pic.twitter.com/nfZxtqFBml
— The Tap & Run, Upper Broughton. (@tapandrunCW) June 11, 2022
Broad added: “The pub was performing really well when we had to unfortunately close our doors. We are so excited to get back to doing what we do best – delivering outstanding customer service.”
Fresh look and feel
Most of the original Tap & Run team will be returning to the venue, led by management team Jack Whitehead, Anna Mooney and Laura Symington.
“Guests can expect a fresh look and feel to the pub,” said The Cat & Wickets director Avril Gurney. “The layout is similar to before but with a more spacious bar area due to the reduced size of the bar. This allows for some more casual dining and drinking space. Additional fixed seating provides more comfortable dining spaces throughout the pub.”
The company also operates the Griffin pub in Swithland, Leicestershire.
