Bristol operator Flatcappers to expand

Bristol-based pub company, Flatcappers, which owns the award-winning Castle Inn in Bradford-on-Avon, has started work on their second pub in Rode, Somerset.

Flatcappers, which was founded by Bristol-based café/bar group Loungers boss Alex Reilley and former Bibendum general manager Pierre Woodford, has taken the assignment of a Wellington Pub Company free-of-tie lease on The Bell Inn at Rode.

The Bell will be closed for a six week refurbishment, which will see the exterior and interior completed redecorated and the kitchen replaced at a cost of around £200,000.

The group has longer term plans to add boutique-style accommodation, like that at The Castle, to the first floor of the pub and through converting the skittle alley to the rear of the pub.

Flatcappers managing director Pierre Woodford said: "After the success of The Castle it seemed only natural to look at other pub opportunities in the local area and after viewing over a dozen pubs The Bell at Rode stood out as being a pub with huge potential."

The Flatcappers concept is to create 'proper' pub environments that cater to the real ale enthusiast as much as the discerning diner.

"We don't take reservations, it's first come first served, and we don't have a designated dining area", said Woodford.

"And whilst food is a massive part of our business & is something we take very seriously the drinker is held in as much regard as the discerning diner."