Admiral pumps £286k into Proper Pubs site

Admiral site reopen after £286k makeover

The Hare and Hounds in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, welcomed customers back through the doors last Thursday (18 April) following a £286,000 refurbishment.

Inside, the pub, which is part of Admiral’s community-focused Proper Pubs division, has benefited from new fixtures, fittings, flooring and furniture throughout while the décor has been elevated to provide a warm welcome.

The pub has also been separated into two different trading areas, one half being a cosy lounge for intimate gatherings while the other is a sports room to the rear of the venue complete with a darts board and pool table.

Outside, the Hare and Hounds boasts new lighting and signage in its spacious garden with benches and festoon lighting.

The Hare and Hounds offers a wide range of drinks including premium draught beers, ciders, cask ales, an extensive cocktail menu, a selection of coffee and hot drinks with special promotions throughout the week.

In addition, the pub hosts a menu of sweet and savoury bar snacks such as pretzels, popcorn and sweet treats to nibble on whilst enjoying time with friends and family.

A busy schedule of entertainment is also on offer, including live music every weekend, weekly quizzes and games nights, monthly open mic nights and regular cask ale evenings where customers can purchase a pint for £3.

Going forward operator Sarah Jane said she looks forward to introducing various fundraising initiatives to support several causes close to her heart including collecting food for local foodbank and raising money to have a lifesaving defibrillator installed.

Fuller's reopens two sites with special guests to cut the ribbons

Fuller, Smith & Turner saw local MPs and Rugby players cut the ribbon at two of its pubs this month following refurbishments.

The first to reopen was the Windmill in Portishead, Bristol, which had seen its dining area transformed and modernised.

In addition, the food offering has also been elevated, featuring pub classics alongside new dishes such as slow-braised lamb shank served with dauphinoise potato, red cabbage and red wine gravy, and a Cornish Orchards cured trout salad with beets, grapefruit, radish, sesame seeds, and chilli and lemon dressing.

Bristol Bears players Siva Naulago and Kalaveti Ravouvou cut the ribbon to mark the reopening of The Windmill, which overlooks the Severn Estuary, earlier this month.

General Manager Chris Bosse said: “I’m delighted The Windmill is open again. The pub is looking incredible, and it was an honour to have Siva and Kalaveti along to officially open the pub at our welcome party.

“We’re proud of our connection with our local community so it was brilliant to have players from our local rugby team along to cut the ribbon, plus live music from local band the Midnight Fiddle Band, to officially reinstate ourselves at the heart of our community.”

Next to open was the Forester, on Leighton Road in Ealing, London, which is a Fuller’s managed pub.

Local MP Dr Rupa Huq, joined by local Mayor, Cllr Hitesh Tailor, cut the official reopening ribbon – before Rupa took to the decks with a DJ set to get the party underway.

The pub, which offers Thai food and a carvery on Sunday’s, has been completely refurbished with the aim of bringing together tradition and modernity.

Its walls and shelves have been adorned with Fuller’s bric-a-brac from across the years while the fireplace is an original feature designed by Fuller’s pub architect, Nowell Parr.

On the first floor, the Forester has a private function room, boasting a large screen so it can be used to show Sky Sports and TNT, joining a plethora of televisions screens inside with more soon to be in the garden.

The Forester’s Garden – which played host to the reopening festivities – has benefitted from the addition of a covered area for the colder months and a suntrap terrace for when the weather is brighter.

General manager Harry Shotter said: “It was great to have such fantastic support from both the Mayor and the local MP for our opening party. Who knew that MPs made such good DJs. I will definitely be inviting Rupa back to play again.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to welcome the local community into the pub and the feedback we’ve had has been really good.

“The Forester has something for everyone and at heart, we are a true community pub. I’m really excited about what the future has to hold.”

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Double relaunch for M&B

M&B has reopened two historic Castle & Nicholson’s venues in London following extensive refurbs.

The Sindercombe Social, in Shepherd’s Bush, has reopened following a six-week refurbishment, giving the historic pub a warm and inviting new feel, while the White Lion, in Covent Garden, also reopened this month.

Inside, the Sindercombe Social has been given a facelift in keeping with its traditional look and feel, including new booths, VIP areas and a games room featuring a shuffleboard and video games.

Known locally for its live music events and lively atmosphere, the pub’s kitchen is also back up and running as well as its rotating craft beer offering.

In addition, the refurb has also created 20 new jobs.

The Sindercombe general manager Jorge Marquez said: “The pub isn't just reopening, it's redefining the West London pub experience.

“From globally-inspired eats to hand-crafted cocktails and a stage teeming with live music and the best sports offering, prepare to be amazed by our new food menu and games area.”

Meanwhile, the White Lion, known for its unique character and eclectic range of real ales and pub food, has also benefitted from a refresh.

The food menu has also been updated to include pub classics such as chicken and ham pie, fish and chips and prime steak burgers, as well as a range of Sunday roasts.

In addition, the pub, which dates back to at least 1825, also serves a wide selection of craft beers, ciders and new to the menu cocktails.

General manager Emma Nofer said: “I am so excited to be welcoming guests old and new to our beloved Covent Garden pub.

“We can’t wait to provide a new and improved offering to customers, including breakfast on Saturdays and live music every weekend.”

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