Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has officially reopened the Bellhouse in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, following a £300,000 refurbishment. The pub was officially reopened on Tuesday 10 December.
Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame officially reopened the pub, with long-standing Essex County Cricket Club player Nick Browne pulling the first pint.
Originally built as a hunting lodge around the 16th century, the Bellhouse became part of the Shepherd Neame estate two years ago. Work carried out during the three-week project included redecorating, and refurbishing the main bar.
Jonathan Neame said: “The Bellhouse is rumoured to be a hunting lodge that was used by Henry VIII”.
“It is a beautiful building which we were proud to take on a couple of years ago, and we are even prouder now that we have invested in this fantastic refurbishment”.
Neame also presented a donation of £1,000 to local charity the Jude Harvey Foundation, which will go towards heart screening for 14 to 35-year-olds to help prevent Young Sudden Cardiac Deaths.
The pub has a large patio area and garden and can accommodate up to 200 guests for functions, with various buffet choices available.
Head chef at the site Simon Spooner and his team, have introduced a new menu around local and seasonal produce. Pies are a menu staple, with a variety of options available incorporating Shepherd Neame’s craft ales and lagers.
An extensive selection of Shepherd Neame’s beers are also featured, along with a selection of acclaimed English wines, premium spirits, and cocktails.
The Bellhouse is open every day from noon, food is served from noon to 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and from noon to 7pm on Sunday.
Punch Pubs & Co adds to portfolio with York acquisition
Punch Pubs & Co has added to its portfolio with the acquisition of the Marcia Grey.
Located in the village of Acomb, on the western side of York, the Marcia Grey is a community pub which will continue to be run by its existing team.
Speaking about the acquisition, Punch Pubs head of estate development and acquisitions Andrew Cannons said: “The Marcia Grey is a fantastic community pub, and we are looking forward to working collaboratively with the existing team to ensure a smooth transition”.
“We are confident that, with the help of Punch’s industry-leading investment and support, it will continue to remain at the heart of the village for many years to come”.
The pub offers two beer gardens with outdoor seating and showcases a seating area and newly refurbished log burner.
Local tenants buy freehold of Eastbourne pub
Fleurets has announced the recent completion of the Pilot Inn, a pub and B&B located in the village of Meads, in Eastbourne.
Fleurets acquired the freehold interest of the property on behalf of the current tenants, Lisa Carter and Simon Jewell.
The new owners of the Pilot Inn commented on the sale: “After 13 wonderful years as tenants, we are thrilled to take the next step in our journey as the proud owners of the Pilot Inn.
“Securing the freehold is a dream come true, and we were delighted to work with the team at Fleurets to make it happen. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for us, and we look forward to building on the Inn’s reputation as a welcoming and friendly local for the community”.
Kirkstall Brewery Taproom to reopen in spring
The Taproom at Springwell in Leeds, owned by Kirkstall Brewery, has been closed following the collapse of a retaining wall, following recent heavy rainfall.
A spokesperson for the brewery said: “We plan to reopen the site for events next Spring, once the rebuilding of the retaining wall and other improvements are completed”.
The indoor Taproom bar will continue to be available for private hire events and existing bookings are being honoured where possible.
Young’s to open Epsom Downs pub in January
This January, Young’s is set to open Tattenham Corner in Epsom Downs, following an extensive refurbishment.
Overlooking Epsom racecourse, the two-storey, 8,000sq ft freehold pub has been transformed to create a premium, pub and dining room.
Upstairs will be a first-floor terrace facing the Downs with two new spaces, The Paddock and The Oaks. Outdoors, the garden is currently undergoing a full refurbishment to add an additional 400 covers, set to be serviced by its own outdoor bar and kitchen.
Young’s CEO Simon Dodd said: “We are looking forward to unveiling the latest addition to the Young’s portfolio in January. Since acquiring the landmark site, we have been hard at work creating a pub fit for the local community and racegoers alike.
“Marking our first site in Epsom, we are investing time and care into crafting a premium pub offering, from the interiors and expansive garden to a menu which showcases the best of British”.
NEOS Hospitality announces £2.5m refurbishment
NEOS Hospitality is set to transform PRYZM, Bristol. The venue will close its doors on New Year’s Eve to undertake a £2.5m refurbishment, reopening at the end of January 2025. The transformation will see the venue divided into two new spaces: Barbara’s Bier Haus and Circuit. To find out more please visit here.
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