Hydes invests £1m in pub garden upgrades

Hydes invests £1m in pub garden upgrades 

North-west based pub operator and brewer Hydes has invested more than £1m into pub gardens, patios and terraces across its estate as part of an ongoing refurbishment programme.

So far, the programme has seen more than £10m pumped into it the family-owned firms pubs’ since 2022.

Timed to be completed ahead of the forthcoming summer of sport including the Euros, and a full calendar of events across Hydes 50 pubs, the refurbishments include new decking, patios, planters, benches and furniture, Nordic-style tipi extensions and outdoor screens and heaters.

In addition, a beer barn has been introduced at the Joshua Bradley in Hyde, set to be used exclusively for weddings and events.

Hydes managing director Adam Mayers said: “Every summer we have a packed programme of garden events at Hydes pubs as we know our customers love to enjoy the outdoors.

“Whether it’s enjoying a refreshing pint in a sun-kissed beer garden with friends, taking in spectacular countryside views, attending a mini-Glastonbury-type music festival or enjoying lunch in one of our Nordic inspired tipis, there is something for everyone this summer at Hydes.

“That’s why we continue to invest in our pubs, ensuring our customers have a memorable and enjoyable visit and will want to return, again and again.”

One example of this is The Mount Inn in Boughton​, which recently relaunched with a new look following a full exterior and interior refurbishment.

Acquired by Hydes in 2016, ​the project included an extensive exterior redecoration to feature a tiered multi-level beer garden with new decking and a terrace overlooking the River Dee, complete with new garden furniture, planters and features.

Meanwhile the exterior makeover more than doubled the previous capacity of the outside seating area and has already proved a “great success with regulars and new visitors”, the firm said.

Myers continued: “We’ve invested heavily in our pub estate and remain committed to supporting our establishments, helping them to make the most of the summer weather.

“After the last few years, we’ve recognised outdoor spaces such as beer gardens and terraces have never been more important.

“Our beer gardens investment programme is specifically designed to help our pub managers maximise the opportunity and we do everything we can to support and encourage activity outside that will boost business.

“Investment has dramatically transformed lots of our pubs' outdoor spaces, providing comfortable, welcoming spaces for people and communities to come together and enjoy a pint, a bite to eat and quality entertainment in a space that can be enjoyed all year round.”

Titanic to open 17th site 

Titanic Brewery has acquired a community pub in Lichfield.

Set to open under new management and with a new name in August, the procurement marks the Stoke-on-Trent based firm’s 17th site and second new opening in Lichfield.

Formerly known as the Pig, located on Tamworth Street, will reopen as the Beacon in August, creating 12 new jobs at the pub and using local suppliers wherever possible.

Titanic added the new name was in honour of Lichfield’s Beacon Park, a “thriving community space” that is also the home to a statue of the captain of the RMS Titanic, Stoke-born Edward John Smith.

Titanic head of retail Jonathan Wright said: “This pub has had various names over the years, and with this new chapter starting in the building’s history, it felt right to give the pub a new name.

“We asked local residents for their thoughts, and overwhelmingly they wanted something that recognised Titanic’s stewardship of the building, but also had a local link.

“The Beacon was the perfect fit, and we’re really excited to see this new name appear on the building in the coming weeks.” 

On the bar will be some of Titanic’s most popular beers including Steerage pale ale and Plum Porter. They will be joined by a range of ever-changing beers from guest breweries both local and from further afield.

A selection of wines and spirits will also be available, alongside freshly-prepared rolls and other locally-produced bar snacks.

There will also be regular live music performances with plans for other events in the coming months underway.

Titanic director Dave Bott added: “Pubs play an essential role in keeping communities together and helping them to thrive.

“We are privileged to have the opportunity to re-open the doors of this pub and welcome back local residents and visiting drinkers alike.

“A Titanic pub is a place where people can come together to enjoy great times with great beer, and we are certain that the Beacon will be no different.”

Inception unveils new Cahoots venue 

London-based multiple bars operator Inception Group has opened a new Cahoots venue in Soho.

Situated on Kingly Street, above the pre-existing underground and signal station, Cahoots Ticket Hall Boozer has been described by the brand as an "ode to a classic 1940's London pub".

Inside, the bar boasts period features in line with the disused station theme Cahoots is known for, including a tartan carpet with matching wallpaper, wood panelling and a jukebox, operated by coins on the bar. The space also offers a large outdoor terrace.

Meanwhile a curated collection of black-market hooch, draught beers and pale ales as well as cocktails, wines and spirits alongside a food menu of pub classics and small plates are available from lunch time every day.

Embracing the "lively atmosphere" of a 1940s British pub, the ticket hall is available to book until 5pm before becoming walk-in only, apart from large groups. 

Inception co-founder Charlie Gilkes said: “We are hugely excited to launch Cahoots Ticket Hall Boozer. Our Mr Fogg’s Tavern model has been a huge success and is a simple formula for our customers to enjoy.

"With Cahoots, we have created a similar offering, whereby the ground floor provides pub classics alongside a premium cocktail offering downstairs, in the case of underground and signal station."

Robinsons reveals new look for Cheshire pub

Robinsons Brewery has re-opened the Railway pub in Handforth, Cheshire, with a brand-new look.

The refurbishment, which took six weeks to complete, included new dimmable lighting and furniture plus fresh décor throughout and a completely revamped back bar.

Accompanying the new look, a new menu is also being curated and is expected to be introduced in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Railway offers barista coffee, seasonal craft ales and a variety of keg and craft beer as well as cocktails.

Entertainment has also been introduced at the pub, which has three snugs and a main bar area, with live music every Friday and Sunday alongside a full sports package, including Sky and TNT.

A spokesperson for the Railway said: “We are known for our friendly staff, excellent service, and bubbly atmosphere.

“Our goal with this refurbishment is to create a pub where everyone feels comfortable, especially families.

“We’re committed to offering high-quality drinks and exceptional service, making the Railway a true community pub.” 

The Horse and Groom opens at Bourton on the Hill

Nathan Eades and Liam Goff, acclaimed chefs and publicans of the Halfway at Kineton, have expanded their portfolio in the Cotswolds.

The Horse and Groom, a "much-loved" pub in Bourton-on-the-Hill, has been purchased by Donnington Brewery and is set to reopen on Friday 28th June, 2024.

Situated overlooking Moreton In Marsh, the pub, which sports a relaxed walk-in bar and a restaurant with over 50 covers, is just 4 miles away from Donnington Brewery.

Upstairs, the establishment has five guest bedrooms with views that celebrate its surroundings and a large garden which offers a combination of seating for guests to enjoy the British countryside.

In a similar theme to the Halfway at Kineton, warming seasonal dishes created using Cotswolds’ suppliers, including Paddock Farm, Cacklebean Eggs and local game, are on offer at the Horse and Groom.

Eades said: “The Horse and Groom has been the bastion of North Cotswolds pub scene for many years, and we are both thrilled, ridiculously excited and somewhat pinching ourselves to be the new custodians of such a much-loved pub.

"We want to create a pub that our locals love and the tourists dream of having on their doorstep. We cannot wait to open the doors, (and our kitchen!) and welcome everyone new and old."

Ex-Michelin-starred gastropub reopens with new name

Former Michelin-starred gastropub the Pony & Trap has been refurbished and reopened after a three-year planning project.

The Pony & Trap in north Somerset, which was No.8 on the Top 50 Gastropubs list in 2020​, has reopened under the moniker The Pony Chew Valley under the stewardship of siblings Josh Eggleton MBE and Holly Eggleton and has been labelled a “destination restaurant and cookery school”.

As well as hosting courses and volunteer programmes, the restaurant will be used as a flagship training hub for The Pony Group, which includes Salt & Malt (Chew Valley, Whapping Wharf), the Kensington Arms (Bristol) and Root (Bristol, Wells).

Read more here​.

Lakedown acquires first pub

Lakedown Pub Group has completed its purchase of the Eight Bells in Hawkhurst, Kent, marking its first pub acquisition. 

The 19th century Grade II listed gastropub has been sold by husband-and-wife duo James and Annie Rogers who, after acquiring the pub a few years ago, made the decision to sell the leasehold to focus on their young family.

Lakedown Pub Group partner James Cuthbertson said: "This is the start of what we hope will be a small estate of pubs across East Sussex and Kent. The key thing for us is that there is no 'cookie cutter' approach to pubs, each will be developed to serve its community and have its own personality."

The pub group and brewery is owned by Chris Rule, Des Murphy and Jamie Daltrey, the latter of which is the son of The Who frontman Roger Daltrey, and is based in East Sussex on Daltrey's farm and fishery. 

Fleurets assisted on the sale and has been tasked with supporting Lakedown's expansion plans. 

Fleurets senior associate Simon Bland said: “We've established the pubco to complement the brewery, but recognise the different skills involved in running a Pubco versus a brewing company, hence adding to the team to deliver this pub and future sites.

“Living locally, I am particularly pleased to have helped James and Annie with the sale and wish them and their young family the very best of luck with whatever they do next. They’ve done a great job with this lovely old pub since taking it on during Covid. I’m also really happy to have assisted another valued client, Lakedown Pub Company, acquire their first pub. Exciting times ahead.”

• Check out the previous property round-up here​​​​

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