Punch pumps funds into Liverpool pubs
The Cross Keys on Earle Street in the city's business district will reopen on 15 February after a £160,000 investment, while the Lion Tavern on Moorfields is undergoing a £289,000 refurbishment and will reopen on 1 March.
Punch's regional director Joanna Hyde said: "Both pubs have experienced publicans at the helm, who are looking forward to launching their newly invested sites. It’s an exciting time for the city and this sizeable investment heralds our confidence in the future."
Delicate refurbishment
The Cross Keys reinvestment will focus on the pub's interior, including the function room, updating the toilets and upgrading equipment in the kitchen. Externally, the pub’s signage and lighting will be improved and outdoor spaces – including the roof-top terrace – are to get a makeover, with new TVs and lighting.
Cask ale-focused pub, the Lion Tavern's £289,000 refurbishment, however, will be a delicate job due to the building's Grade II-listed status. The renovation will, therefore, focus on the pub’s intricate artwork and tiling, feature domed window and etched stained-glass features.
'Preservation of everything that's great'
Hyde added: "We currently operate more than 70 sites in Merseyside and are committed to investing in our pubs to make sure that they meet the needs of their local communities.
"The Cross Keys and the Lion Tavern are both important destinations; one focused on quality cask ales and the other providing an all-day offer. Both will be sympathetically refurbished to reflect their heritage, while creating new facilities for customers. Our approach is all about preserving everything that’s great about British pubs – great food and drink served in a warm and welcoming environment."
