Venture pubco takes on first Star site

25-Feb-2015 - Last updated on 25-Feb-2015 at 08:57 GMT

Multiple operator, Venture Pub Company has taken on its first pub with Star Pubs & Bars, The Bricklayer’s Arms in Leicester, bringing its estate to a total of 18 sites.

The Bricklayer’s Arms, which has been closed since mid 2013 and is its first site in Leicester, is to re-open mid March following a £167K refurbishment.

Funds are being spent on a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior of the pub to broaden its appeal to students, nurses and families living nearby, creating a light modern pub with comfortable seating, wi-fi and large screens to screen live sport and live music entertainment.

The Bricklayers will retain its traditional character but be brought up to date and extend its offer to include authentic Italian coffee a menu of hot light bites plus paninis, baguettes and snacks.

Heineken’s Smart Dispense system is being installed to ensure ”consistently great quality beer” and Heineken Served Extra Cold will be on offer as well as a wide range of other lagers, continental beers and real ales.

Location

Therese Gallacher, director of Venture Pub Company, said: “The Bricklayer’s Arms is the first closed pub that we’ve taken on. Whilst it is a new departure for us, we believe it is a risk well worth taking as the pub is in a great location on a main thoroughfare into Leicester, near Leicester Tigers and Leicester City grounds. A large number of students and nurses also live in the area, so we’ll be putting on live music as well as screening sports.

“Whilst our estate is predominantly wet led, the introduction of food and quality coffee is right for this location. We’re looking forward to working with Star Pubs & Bars on turning around the fortunes of The Bricklayer’s Arms and hope this will be the first of many.”

Chris Jowsey, trading director of Star Pubs & Bars, said: “We’re delighted that a successful and dynamic pub operator such as The Venture Pub Company has taken on the lease of The Bricklayer’s Arms. The pub is in a great location and they immediately recognised its potential. With the help of investment and The Venture Pub Company’s experience, The Bricklayer’s Arms will be given a fresh start will attract a broader customer base.”