Yorkshire pub installs heated beach huts to drive custom

By Ellie Bothwell

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Enterprise inns pub Public house

General manager Dean Castle outside the beach huts at the Black Hat
General manager Dean Castle outside the beach huts at the Black Hat
An Enterprise Inns pub has installed three heated beach huts for drinking and dining as part of a £250,000 investment.

The pub company said the former Rose and Crown in Ilkley, which has been renamed the Black Hat, has been transformed from a weekend nightclub to an outlet that appeals to a broad range of customers, and serves breakfast, brunch, coffee, lunch, early evening meals and cocktails.

General manager Dean Castle is one of 20 new staff, including duty managers, bar staff and a chef, that has been hired to run the venue, which had been closed for six months.

'Local interest'

Castle said: “There’s been massive local interest in what we’re doing here - our newly set-up Facebook page very quickly got lots of ‘likes’, and has been viewed thousands of times already.

“We’re in a prime location, and want to revive the spirit of The Rose and Crown, while adding a contemporary twist.

“Renaming the pub The Black Hat wasn’t something we took lightly, but felt it was appropriate given that we’re now providing something so radically new and exciting.”

'Groundswell of support'

Enterprise regional manager Tracey Burley said: “This reopening represents a major investment for Enterprise, creating a completely new offering for the people of Ilkley, and for which there’s been a real groundswell of support in the build-up.

“What we have now is a pub with a very modern feel to it, which offers something for everyone right through the day, and which fits perfectly with this lovely spa town.

“The publican behind this venture lives locally and is an experienced pub operator. He has worked with us very closely on this exciting project from day one, and I’m confident it’ll be a huge success.”

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