Admiral Taverns ploughs £430k into pub estate

Based on Walsall Street in Willenhall, West Midlands, the County pub welcomed customers back on Friday 23 June following a £230,000 refurbishment.

The pub, which is part of Admiral’s Proper Pubs Division, has benefited from new furniture, flooring and soft furnishings throughout while both the front and back bars have also been revamped.

A pool and darts have also been installed in the site’s function room alongside a new sound system while outside the County’s garden has been transformed with new signage, lighting and furniture.

Proper Pubs operations director Matthew Gurney said: “The refurbishment at the County looks fantastic – the team have worked really hard to ensure it is a success for the local community.  

“On behalf of the Proper Pubs team, we would like to wish our community hero, David, every success for the future in making the County a fantastic hub of the community”. 

To celebrate the opening, customers enjoyed a weekend of entertainment, with a live DJ on Friday night, followed by Karaoke and live music on Saturday as well as a visit from the local Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Chris Towe and Mrs Louisa Hughes, who officially opened the pub.  

Alongside a wide range of drinks offers, including cocktails and wine promotions, the pub will also host multiple events throughout the year, including charity events to raise money for a defibrillator to be installed at the site.

Operator of the County David Robins said: “Opening night was fantastic, it was amazing to see all our customers, old and new, coming to see what the pub has to offer.

“The feedback we received from our community was amazing, and we can’t wait to see them again soon.” 

In addition to the County pub, Admiral Taverns has also announced the reopening of the Toad in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, following a £200,000 investment.

The Toad opened its doors on Friday 30 June with a new bar and more modern furniture with new flooring and fixtures throughout in-keeping with the pub’s new coastal colour scheme of pale blue and light grey.

Outside, the pub has received new signage and lighting as well as windows with a dark and light blue tint.

Admiral Taverns business development manager Becky Whitlock-Torr said: “The pub looks amazing, and I can see this being the perfect hub for the Colwyn Bay community. I would recommend anyone in the area to take a visit, and I wish the pub every success for the future.” 

Alongside a wide drinks selection, including classic beers and ales, the Toad, which is also dog-friendly, will serve fresh fish, steaks and vegetarian options including a Sunday lunch menu.

In addition, operator Peter Hammond has planned to offer monthly taster menus in the future.

Hammond said: “I am thrilled to have reopened The Toad and showcased its revitalised look and feel to the community.

“I am extremely pleased with the results and am extremely grateful for all the support I’ve received from the community over the last 18 years.

“I am glad to have welcomed back the local community and cannot wait to introduce the pub’s fantastic new offerings.”