Where have Punch, Greene King, Admiral Taverns reopened sites?
Punch reopens community pub after £470,000 makeover
Punch Pubs & Co have reopened Manchester pub The Famous Crown after a £470,000 investment and brought in a new management partner, Dionne Blackshaw.
Punch said his investment transformed the pub, giving back a classic location to Wilmslow Road, Didsbury.
Internally, the pub has been refurbished to create “an infectious ambience around its outstanding central bar area with large alcoves and Chesterfield-style banquette seating, perfect for socializing and a tasty drink or two”.
According to Punch, the new look has enhanced the dining experience for diners, along with the launch of a new menu offering the quintessential British classics like beef and ale pie paired with a Sunday roast.
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Greene King invests over £900,000 in Hive Pub
Greene King Pub Partners has invested £940,000 in its latest Hive Pub, the Victoria in Thurston, Suffolk.
The location reopened on Thursday, December 8 under Greene King’s Lease, Lease and Franchise Division. The investment was the largest ever made by the Pubco at a Hive pub location.
David and Natasha Riggs will run the pub after stepping down from their positions as JD Wetherspoon’s veteran pub managers.
The new franchisees said: “Having run successful pubs, we wanted to take the next step and run our own pub business.
“With the low running costs, combined with guaranteed income and the full support of Greene King, going into franchise was the obvious way to achieve our dream.”
The pub’s garden has been upgraded with beach huts, covered outdoor seating and wooden furniture. Outside there is now also a bar and service.
Inside, the pub has been refurbished with new lighting, furniture, decor and flooring to create a modern look. The venue has been expanded to include a sports area with two dartboards and a non-contact pool table.
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Red Oak Taverns Pub has breathed new life
The General Elliott Pub in Croft, Leicestershire has undergone a complete makeover following a joint investment by pub owners Red Oak Taverns and new licensee Henry Coakley.
The 18ththCentury Pub features new furniture, floors and bar layout. The exterior features new signage and lighting, and the garden features après-ski style heated tipis.
The Heathfield function room will also reopen for private dining, parties and corporate events and new French doors will be added to the garden in the spring.
The pub also has a new draft beer range and wine list and its menu includes pub classics, vegan, vegetarian and fish dishes, as well as a children’s menu and traditional Sunday roasts.
New land lord and Croft resident Henry Coakley said: ‘When my local village pub became available I knew I had to take it over and make it a village pub for all.
“The refurbishment has enhanced the pub’s original features while introducing a modern and cozy decor. It has been completely refurbished inside and out and with our new beverage range, menu and entertainment program we offer a great facility for Croft and the wider area.”
Barry Lee, Red Oak Taverns Business Development Manager added: “Henry is local so knows the village well and has blended in really well with the pub. The investment has upgraded the pub while retaining the traditional features that make it so special. Together we have certainly managed to build a real pub that the village can enjoy for a long time to come.”
As well as converting the pub, Coakley is developing the neighboring cottage into a deli and farm shop, opening in the spring.
Thwaites’ joint venture envisions the reopening of a rural pub
The Royal Oak, a country pub in Hornby, Lancashire, reopened last month after being closed for eight years.
Following a joint investment by Daniel Thwaites and tenants Helena and Garry Torch, the pub has been restored to its former state.
This isn’t the first time the two tenants have been to the pub. The couple managed the site before moving to new pastures 12 years ago, but have recently returned to their old turf.
Daniel Thwaites director of pubs and brewing Andrew Buchanan said the company was “delighted” to have reopened the site.
He continued: “The pub has always been at the heart of the community and it’s fantastic to see it returning to its prime with the people who made it a success in the first place.
“The industry has faced many challenges over the last few years and in a world where some pubs are having to close it’s great to be able to share some positive news.”
Helena and Garry said the pub has always felt like home and is an important part of the Hornby community.
“To be able to reopen just in time for Christmas and give back to local people is an absolute privilege and we’re really excited to continue our journey with Thwaites and see what the future holds.” They added.
Admiral Taverns pub reopens after £185,000 refurbishment
The Royal Victoria in Prestatyn, Denbighshire has reopened after an investment of over £185,000 from Admiral Taverns and brand new licensees.
Operators Sean Thomas and Debra Gee have made sure to respect the Welsh pub’s history by retaining its traditional features while enhancing its look with modern facilities.
Inside, the pub features a new bar, wooden tables, floors and chairs with new upholstery and a state-of-the-art professional kitchen. Outside, customers are greeted by new lighting, windows, hanging baskets, as well as traditional wooden benches and radiators.
Debra said it was an honor to take charge of the Royal Victoria, which “would be our baby”.
She continued, “Prestatyn is a place that we both hold dear and we can’t wait to put our hearts and souls into the pub and give the wonderful local people their community pub back.”
Debra is also a performer and looks forward to treating her clients to performances each week. Licensees also hope to host bi-weekly music quizzes, as well as karaoke nights and live music events.
Becky Whitlock-Torr, Admiral Taverns Business Development Manager, commented: “It’s hard not to be happy when you’re around Debra and Sean – their passion is absolutely contagious and I’m confident they are the perfect people to to take over the Royal Victoria.
“Thanks to Debra and Sean the pub is a perfect blend of old and new and I look forward to seeing them bring it to the forefront of their community.”
Historic venue reopens in a new guise
The Botanist on the Green in Richmond, south west London, recently reopened with a new look and feel after a four week refurbishment.
Changes to the pub include new upholstered furniture and an outdoor dining area. It will launch a variety of events, including the return of quiz night and the introduction of live music throughout the weekend.
Guests can enjoy pub favorites like Steak and Ale Pie, Fish and Chips, and Prime Steak Burger. There’s also a drinks menu with a wide variety of craft beers, ciders, and cocktails.
Botanist Anna Davies, managing director of Green, said she was “really excited” to welcome locals to the pub who may not have visited them in a while.
“The pub is transforming inside and our friendly team is here ready to provide great food and a special experience for all,” she added.
West London pub reopens with facelift
The Queens Arms in South Kensington, west London, has reopened after a major four-week refurbishment.
Located just around the corner from the Royal Albert Hall, the pub combines traditional wood panelling, period features and modern touches. It features an open fireplace and an outdoor dining area.
Changes to the venue include new upholstered furniture and an open walk-through kitchen as the centerpiece with more seating.
The menu features pub classics like chicken and ham pie, fish and chips, and steak burgers. The drinks menu includes newly added cocktails, as well as craft beers and ciders.
Queens Arms General Manager Shane Bell said: “It is an honor to lead one of South Kensington’s finest and most well-connected institutions, and an even greater honor to lead such a special renovation. I hope you all love the new 9er look as much as I do!”
Renovated 19ththCentury Inn opens doors again
19thCentury Cuckfield Inn reopened on Thursday 10th November after a four week refurbishment giving the pub a new look.
Located on Wanstead High Street in east London, the pub has a large front bar room and a large square room leading to a beer garden and conservatory. The total capacity of the pub is 300 people.
The pub has now been revamped with upholstered furniture and an alfresco dining area with two new bars and additional seating.
New to the Pub Classics menu is a bottomless brunch, with each breakfast dish served with either bottomless Prosecco or Camden Hells Lager.
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