Heartwood Collection to invest millions across new sites
Award-winning hospitality group, Heartwood Collection has acquired two sites from Whitbread.
The George & Dragon in Marlow and The Red Lion in Stratford-upon-Avon are set to undergo multi-million pound refurbishments. The George & Dragon is Heartwood’s seventh pub and is rescheduled to open again in 2025. Both sites have been confirmed by Heartwood for the following 12 months as part of its growth plan, which includes the aim to reach more than 60 sites by 2027.
The George & Dragon, an inn situated in the town centre of Marlow, will see it’s 17 rooms transformed into boutique bedrooms. The new dining room and bar will also feature 200 internal covers with a further 50 external covers.
The Red Lion is also set to be renovated to create 175 internal covers across both the bar and dining room with an added 200 external covers within the garden. Heartwood Collection CEO Richard Ferrier said: “Both the George & Dragon and the Red Lion will add a huge amount to our Heartwood Inns business. We have real momentum in our acquisition programme at present and a busy 12 months ahead.”
The Roebuck, previously Thornberries reopens it doors
The Roebuck in Alkrington, previously known as Thornberries, has undergone a major makeover and been recognised by TV and movie star Steve Coogan.
In a personal message sent out to Joseph Holt brewery he said: “Good luck to the Roebuck. One of my locals in the 80s. It used to be full of bleach blonde perms and deep tans…and that was just the fellas! Glad it’s going it be a local again for the local community. I’ll be sure to pop in for a pint soon. Best, Steve.”
Joseph Holt also put forward a competition to customers, in order to decide the new name of the establishment, following an overwhelming response for the site returned to original name, the Roebuck. Joseph Holt pub director Mark Norbury said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive such a warm and humorous message from Steve Coogan, one of the area’s most famous locals. Not least for his recognition that this is very much a pub at the heart of the community. But one with a massive refurbishment that brings even more new life into the pub.” New features of the site include a wraparound bar, spacious private function room and large beer garden. TV and sporting events are also provided with updated menu options.
Joseph Holt currently owns 127 pubs throughout the north-west. The Roebuck celebrates its 175th anniversary this year and has remained in the same family for six generations. Linda Murray, 63, won Joseph Holt’s competition to rename the pub and cut the ribbon on the opening night. Speaking on the Roebuck she stated: “I have lived in Alkrington since 1971 when I was 11 years old.” She continued, “Alkrington was known as the place where the Roebuck was and people from surrounding areas used to come and enjoy a great night out.” For more information on the site please see here.
The Juggs reopens in Lewes
The Juggs pub in Lewes, East Sussex has reopened, fronted by couple Greg Coleman and Carla Marsh. The pub is the couple’s first venture together. Head chef of the Juggs Greg Coleman said: “The beauty of it is it’s such a nice place, with such a lot of history.”
He continued: “It’s very unusual in the trade to have somewhere where you get footfall all the time. People walk over the Downs and they’re outside.”
Carla Marsh, front of house at the pub in The Street, Lewes, added: “It’s been non-stop since we came in the door! We do know a lot of people because we are from the area but also the locals feel like they have their pub back!”
The pub will see a revamped menu of pub classics, including fish dishes and an a la carte menu. Items include, homemade focaccia bread and sandwiches including the Jugg’s bhaji smuggler. Originally built in the 14th century and progressively added to over the years before being turned into a pub in the early 80s. The pub has undergone refurbishment, repainted outside and with new signage as well as a large outside garden. Refurbishment inside also included new toilets. Greg and Carla, along with their 16 team members, celebrated the official start to their Juggs life at a private launch party with family and friends last month.
The Church Inn gains £265,000 refurbishment
The Church Inn, located in Lowton Warrington, Greater Manchester has received a £265,000 investment following it’s re opening last Friday 12 July.
The site is part of Proper Pubs, the community operator division of Admiral Taverns. The pub signals the sixth site falling under its new mid-market offering. The Pub has undergone a complete and total refurbishment both internally and externally and features a new bar as well as new flooring, fixtures and fittings.
The outside of the property has been completely repainted and has updated lighting and signage. A new garden is also an added feature. Operator of the Church Inn Esther Ryan, said: “Opening night was thoroughly enjoyable for everyone and the feedback we’ve already received from local residents has been fantastic! It was wonderful to welcome all our customers, old and new, into the newly renovated pub and to show off its brand-new look.”
The site offers a varied drinks menu, including premium draught beers, cask ales, an extensive cocktail menu, ciders and a wine list. Throughout the week, a multitude of drink promotions are available such as after work cocktail deals for £12 between 5pm and 7pm from Monday to Friday.
The site is also set to host a coffee menu along with a variety of differing sweet and savoury bar snacks. The Church Inn also offer a schedule of entertainment including a local darts team, live music evenings held on the weekends, weekly quiz nights and regular coffee mornings. Esther and Jason will also host several fundraising days such as the local kids’ club charities dedicated to supporting those affected by Multiple Sclerosis and MacMillan Cancer.
Proper Pubs operations director Matthew Gurney said: “The transformation at The Church Inn has been fantastic to watch and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the entire to team who helped bring this to life.”
Fleurets purchases leasehold interest of Yates, Bolton to market
Fleurets has recently purchased the leasehold interest of Yates, Bolton to market. Totalling at 12,314sq ft, Yates spans over three floors, and occupies a Grade II-listed Victorian detached property.
Situated on the A575, within Bolton town centre, the space is centred around an open-plan trading area and also features a rear courtyard, roof terrace trading area located on the first floor patio. Fleurets north west divisional director Tim Martin said: “An experienced operator may feel that there is an opportunity to install their own brand into this unit, as it holds a central position within the town.”
He continued: “We are advised that our client occupies the property on a leasehold agreement until 5 July 2045 and the current rent is £89,132.80 per annum.”
Touching on the details of the agreement he continued: “Our client is seeking to assign this agreement or alternatively, they have also indicated that there may be an opportunity for a suitable party to negotiate terms for a sub-lease on the property, terms and rent to be agreed.”
Fuller’s acquires Lovely Pubs
Premium pubs and hotels business, Fuller, Smith and Turner has announced it’s purchase of Lovely Pubs for a total of £22.5m. Lovely Pubs is a collection of seven properties, all situated throughout Warwickshire. The seven pubs, six of which are freehold were the Orange Tree, Chadwick End; the Boot Inn, Lapworth; the Farm, Monkspath; Morton’s Kitchen, Dickens Heath; the Baraset Barn, Alveston; the Moat House Inn, Kings Coughton; and the Queen’s Head, Stoke Pound. All 260 Fullers members will be retained within the acquisition.
Chestnut acquires Le Strange Arms Hotel in Norfolk
Chestnut has recently obtained Le Strange Arms in Old Hunstanton, a hotel based on the north Norfolk coast.
With a distinct focus on growing their Norfolk footprint the site offers beachside access, 60 bedrooms as well as self-catering lodges and The Mariner pub. Le Strange Arms will become part of Chestnut group’s latest concept focused on – “Big Houses”.
Founder and managing director of Chestnut Philip Turner said: “We’ve made no secret of the fact that we believe that Norfolk is strategically important to our growth ambition. I have personally known the property for many years and am honoured to have the opportunity to navigate Le Strange Arms and the Mariner pub in the next leg of its journey.”
The Chestnut portfolio has recently expanded with the additions of Le Strange Arms as well as the recent acquisitions of the Lifeboat and Chequers Inn. The company is also set to reopen the Maltings in Weybourne in August after a significant refurbishment to the property.
Daddy Bao group launch new bar ‘Good Measure’
This September 6th, Good Measure is set to open in Tooting, located beneath Daddy Bao.Good Measure is set to serve cocktails with a Tawainese take. Good Measure will offer a varied array of drinks, utilising ingredients and flavours found throughout Taiwan’s culinary scene.
The regularly evolving cocktail menu, will feature options such as ‘Cream of Matcha’ comprised of East London Gin, Moonlight sake, lemon, matcha and Greek Yoghurt as well as the ‘Peanut Old Fashioned’ a peanut infused Buffalo Trace, with brown sugar syrup and chocolate bitters.The bar will also offer a selection of mocktails and Taiwanese bar snacks. Good Measure, showcases a 15 seat space open on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 10.30pm for walkins only.
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