Fleurets finalises sale of Essex pub to community group
Fleurets chartered surveyors has finalised the sale of the Chequers Inn pub in Roxwell, Essex, which was purchased by the Roxwell Chequers Community Benefit Society Ltd on behalf of the community.
The purchase follows a successful share offer campaign and with the support of HM Government’s Community Ownership Fund.
Fleurets director head of Central London Andy Frisby said: “We are delighted to have sold the Chequers Inn to a community group.
“It provides us with great satisfaction to know the purchaser has the interests of the 250-year-old pub and local community at the heart of what they do.
“Pubs are a keystone of our society and provide a valuable environment for community engagement especially in villages and remote areas.
“The Chequers will be an asset again within Roxwell village and hopefully generate pleasant memories for local people for generations to come.”
The Roxwell Chequers Community Benefit Society Ltd was established last year to achieve a community buyout of The Chequers Inn.
Society chair Sam Metson said "We're thrilled to have successfully completed the purchase of the Chequers, marking an important milestone in our community's efforts to preserve this cherished establishment.
“However, our work is far from over. The real journey begins now as we embark on the process of refurbishing the pub and finding a suitable tenant.
“We invite anyone interested in taking on the tenancy or supporting our ongoing efforts to get in touch, to help us ensure the Chequers remains a vibrant hub for our community for years to come."
Fuller's reopens New Forest pub after refurb
Fuller, Smith & Turner, has announced the reopening of the Rising Sun pub in Bashley, the New Forest, following refurbishment.
Using traditional colours, wood panelled walls to compliment the fireplace and large modern windows, Fuller’s said the pub has been “transformed” while still retaining its “country feel”.
Outside, new wooden seating and huts have been installed so the garden, which also features a playground, can be used year-round.
The Rising Sun menu offers wood-fired pizzas and pub classics alongside a kids’ menu and bar snacks while a variety events, such as wine tastings and Opera in the Garden are planned for the coming months.
Manager Sasha Greenshield said: “I’m over the moon about the reopening of our lovely pub.
“We have put a lot of investment and dedication into making the Rising Sun the best it can be.”
Chestnut acquires two new sites
East-Anglian pub with rooms operator, Chestnut Group, has acquired two new sites in the North Norfolk coastal village of Thornham.
The Lifeboat Inn and the Chequers have joined the firms 18-strong pub portfolio, accelerating its foothold in the region with the addition of a further 28 bedrooms.
Chestnut founder and managing director Philip Turner said: “We acquired our first property in Norfolk one week prior to lockdown, not an ideal start to the journey.
“During Covid we acquired five assets to capitalise on the growth of tourism in the region and the more permanent “work from home” lifestyle.
“Building community around our properties is a huge priority for us which we tend to do through The Giving Tree – our charitable foundation - as well as ‘loyal local’ cards and winter coffee and cake mornings.”
Turner added Chestnut, which employs more than 200 people, was looking forward to “welcoming the new team members from both pubs” and working with them to take the businesses to the “next stage”.
He continued: “We take our role as a significant regional employer seriously and are keen to develop strong relationships with those promoting North Norfolk as the go-to destination.
“I have known both these pubs for many years and feel privileged that Chestnut has the chance to be part of their future.”
Little Door & Co to open fifth site
London-based house-party inspired late night bar and restaurant concept, Little Door & Co., has announced it will open its “milestone” fifth bar this summer.
Set to open in June on Kingly Street in Soho, the Little Violet Door, previously known as music venue Bag O’ Nails, has been designed to transport guests to a West End flat in the 1960’s with colourful soft furnishings, prints, bookcases and record collections on display.
The site also features references to both music and fashion throughout the 70’s and 80’s in a nod to the 3,400 sqft venue’s history, when it was frequented by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, Paul McCartney and Pete Townshend.
Spread over two floors with additional terrace seating out front, the 180-capacity bar’s ground floor houses a relaxed sitting room and a vinyl bar, whilst downstairs has been designed with flat parties in mind.
Read more here.
M&B welcomes customer back to historic London pub
Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has welcomed customers back to the Hope pub in Upper Tooting, London, following a four-week renovation project.
The 19th century former coaching inn reopened its doors last month with an exciting new look in keeping with the venue’s traditional look and feel.
Changes include the addition of a bespoke garden room with a retractable roof and heating, while the outside area has also benefited from the installation of two further heated umbrellas for all-weather protection.
In addition, the outdoor bar and BBQ area has been upgraded to compliment the new look along with enhanced WIFI in the garden.
The Hope’s snug area has also been transformed into a cosy space which will be kept for private dining for up to 25 or private parties for 30/35.
Moreover, the pub’s accessibility has also been improved with the installation of an accessible lift to make it easier to get to the bar level and a new portable ramp to help those who need extra support using the steps in the building.
General manager John France said “The refurbishment has brought a whole new feel to the pub.
“It reflects the modern requirement of our guests and local community of Wandsworth Common, we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back old and new.”
Wild Horse brewery expands with new taproom
North-Wales-based brewery, Wild Horse, has expanded its business with the opening a new taproom.
Located next door to the brewery in Llandudno, the new taproom will offer up to 10 Wild Horse beers on tap.
Wild Horse, which was founded in 2015, said the move marked an “exciting milestone” for the brewery.
"We're thrilled to expand our presence in Llandudno with the launch of our taproom.
"Our goal is to create a space where everyone feels welcome to enjoy quality craft beverages and delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere”, Wild Horse founder and managing director said Dave Faragher.
A “curated selection” of ciders, wine, speciality craft beers, soft drinks and bar snacks, all sourced from independent businesses with an emphasis on supporting Welsh producers, will also be available at the taproom.
In addition, the venue will feature a rotating line-up of street food vendors every Friday evening and throughout the day on Saturdays.
Taproom manager Callum Sharples said: “The taproom will focus on delivering a world class experience in the first instance before working on hosting regular events and collaborations with local artists and organisations, ensuring there's always something new and exciting to experience.”
Husband-and-wife team take on Robinsons pub
A husband-and-wife team have taken the reins at the White Horse pub in Disley, near Lyme Park, from Robinsons Brewery.
The recently refurbished Cheshire pub reopened its doors to the public on Sunday 14 April.
Brining more than five decades of experience in the hospitality sector between them, Geof and Diane will have hands on roles within the business, working as head chef and managing front of house respectively.
Geof said: “Cooking has always been my passion. My speciality is a cracking Sunday Roast, with an exceptional gravy people have literally sat and drank from the jug!”
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