Robinsons expands pub site with coffee shop

Robinsons introduces coffee shop at Derbyshire pub

Robinsons Brewery has introduced a new coffee shop at the Bulls Head in Castleton, Derbyshire, after injecting half a million pounds into refurbishing the pub.

Named the Cow Shed, the new coffee shop offers cakes, doughnuts, sandwiches, paninis and more.

The pub, which is popular with walkers and tourists, has also undergone a complete makeover throughout with a modern country aesthetic, headed up by the brewer and operators inhouse designers.

Internally, the Bulls Head has benefited from the installation of a brand-new timber bar with updated furniture, fixtures and fittings as well as old black beans sandblasted back to their natural golden oak colour and new rustic flooring.

Additionally, the pub’s function room has also been refurbished while its five ensuite bedrooms have been restored, featuring new furniture, carpets and décor.

Hydes reopens Abel Heywood 

Salford-based operator and brewer Hydes has reopened its award-winning pub and hotel, the Abel Heywood in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, following a £200k refurbishment. 

First opened as a pub by Hydes in 2015, the Abel Heywood closed last month for a full interior refurbishment and refresh.

The improvements include the installation of new booth seating, an update to the Victorian-style decor, new external signage, lighting and a full revamp of the bar areas. 

Meanwhile, the adjoined 15-room boutique hotel, which remained open throughout the renovations, will receive a bespoke makeover over the next 12 months.

The investment marked the start of a multi-million-pound programme planned for other key sites in Hydes’ pub estate including the Boat House at Parkgate on the Wirral, the Nursery Inn at Heaton Norris, Stockport and the Mount Inn at Chester. 

Last year, Hydes committed over £4 million worth of investment in its estate and expects to double that figure this year.

Hydes managing director Adam Mayers said: “The relaunch of the Abel Heywood is the first in a planned programme of investments in our pubs for this year.

“It’s a key venue for us in Manchester city centre and is a landmark pub and hotel which has provided a characterful hub for locals and visitors to the city for the past 10 years.

“Whether it's Hydes’ range of quality ales, traditional, home-cooked food served every day or a contemporary hotel room for the night, the Abel Heywood has something to offer everybody who visits.

“Starting with The Abel Heywood, our ongoing investment programme highlights our commitment to our pub estate, customers and the communities we operate in. Investment in our pubs and our people remains a major focus for Hydes.” 

Admiral injects £500k into estate 

Admiral Taverns has revived two pubs after investing more than £500k renovating the sites, both of which are part of its Proper Pubs division.

First to reopen was the Ashby Tavern in Hinckley, Leicestershire, on Thursday 29 February, following a £265,000 makeover.

The pub benefited from new furniture, flooring and fixtures as well as new décor inside, while new lightening and signage was added the renovated garden area.

Meanwhile the White Horse in Gosport, Hampshire, welcomed customers back on Friday 8 March.

Admiral invested £239,000 into the pub, which received new furniture, fixtures and flooring throughout as well as a full redecoration in the main bar area, function room and games area.

Outside, the garden area has been revamped, including new signage, a new lawn, pontoon lighting and wooden benches.

As part of the Proper Pubs division, both venues offer a wide range of drinks and bar snacks as well as regular entertainment, including live music and televised sporting events, and will back the local community by supporting charitable causes.

Punch Pubs unveils new look for Prescot pub

Punch Pubs has welcomed customers back to the Deanes House pub in Prescot with a brand-new £180k look thanks to a joint investment.

The town centre pub, which is situated near the Shakespeare North Playhouse, reopened on Friday 23 February under the helm of publican Karen Bullen and business partner James Burke and will be managed by local husband-and-wife duo Lou and David Etchells.

Fitting in with the Shakespearean theme of its neighbouring theatre, Deanes House has been given a complete refresh with bright, bold colours, patterned fabrics, velvet curtains and Shakespearean bric-a-brac along with feature-decorated ceilings, new light fixtures and textured wallpapers.

In addition, the pub’s spacious function room is currently being refurbished to fit the Shakespearean theme, while a weekly entertainment schedule is also being planned, including weekly quizzes and showing live sporting events.

The pub’s exterior, which boasts a generous garden area and ample parking, has also been given a refresh with a change of colour and new signage.

Guests can also expect a similar Shakespearean theme from the pub’s food menu, which offers light bites including a ‘To Brie or Not to Brie’ sandwich, ‘Much Ado About Stew’ and ‘Mc Broth’ all of which will be served seven days a week from 12noon until 7pm.

Managers Lou and David said: “We wanted to ensure Deanes House offered something unique.

“As the main pub in town, our aim is to keep our guests here and make it one of the most iconic pubs around. We have huge plans in mind, and we’re excited to get the ball rolling.

“We want our guests to visit not only for the fantastic atmosphere, great food, and drinks but also because they know they’re guaranteed to have a good time. This is a community pub, and we want Deanes House to be at the heart of it.”

Fuller's welcomes customers back to the Union Tavern 

Fuller’s has announced the Union Tavern in Westbourne Park, London, is once again open for business following refurbishment.

Situated on the Gran Union canal, the pub’s interior has been transformed in keeping with its leafy surroundings, with a green and yellow colour palate and large windows to let in natural light.

Outside, the Union Tavern offers plentiful year-round seating while the menu features small plates and bar snacks alongside pub classics.

General manager Joey Cassidy said: “I’m so excited to be reopening the doors of the Union Tavern.

“The pub looks incredible. I’m delighted to be opening as we go into spring – our canal-side garden is not one to miss and will be a hive of good times as we move into the warmer months. My team and I look forward to welcoming you all.”

Brakspear reopens second site with Little & Large

Henley-on-Thames pub operator Brakspear has reopened its second site with fellow pubco Little & Large.

The Leicester Arms in Penshurst, Kent, has opened its doors following a £1.2m refurbishment by owners Brakspear in partnership with the Little & Large Pub Company, which also operates the Running Horses – a Brakspear pub at the foot of Box Hill in Surrey.

The redevelopment has retained the character of the grade II-listed building while “creating a relaxed environment for informal drinking and dining” and the pub’s 11 en-suite bedrooms have been upgraded as well.

Brakspear said the new menu at the Leicester Arms offers “delicious, quality food to suit a range of tastes and occasions, with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.” Read more here​.