Former Manchester United head chef and nutritionist to run refurbed Inglenook site

By Stuart Stone

- Last updated on GMT

Pub revamp: Licensees Claire Evans and Andrew Widdas will manage the refurbished Crown at Alrewas in Staffordshire
Pub revamp: Licensees Claire Evans and Andrew Widdas will manage the refurbished Crown at Alrewas in Staffordshire
Work has begun on a £270,000 refurbishment of The Crown at Alrewas in Staffordshire after Inglenook Inns & Taverns signed a substantive lease with Star Pubs & Bars.

A departure from Inglenook’s largely wet-led estate, the pub, parts of which date back to the sixteenth century, will benefit from a modernised kitchen with the aim of achieving a 50:50 trade split.

Licensees Claire Evans and Andrew Widdas – former head chef and nutritionist for Manchester United – will manage the refurbished venue.

Hands on approach

James Waddington, director of Inglenook Inns & Taverns commented: “Inglenook Inns & Taverns is set on further expansion with the aim of building an estate of 20 leased pubs across the north-west, Midlands and Wales.

“Twenty is the optimum size for us right now as we like to be hands on with the pubs.

“The Crown is typical of the kind of site the company is looking for.

“It's got potential and the opportunity to add value in a perfect location for both local trade and drive-to business from towns such as Lichfield and Tamworth, as well as users of the Trent and Mersey canal.

“The affluent demographic is spot on for the premium locals we’re known for – where the food and drink are excellent but also good value for money.

“We consider all kinds of locations – village, suburban and town.

“Star Pubs & Bars’ flexibility in creating agreements that work for the individual pub and our shared focus on premiumisation and willingness to invest make them ideal partners.”

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‘Impressive start’

Star Pubs & Bars' operations director for the north Midlands Alun Johnson commented: “Investing in pubs like The Crown to ensure they offer excellent quality, attract new customers and thrive for the long term is a priority for us.

“Inglenook Inns & Taverns has a proven track record in turning round underperforming pubs in affluent village locations similar to The Crown’s.

“They’ve made an impressive start at The Crown whilst running the pub on a temporary basis pre-investment.

“We’ve got a number of pubs we’re looking to invest in in the region and we look forward to developing this model further with Inglenook Inns & Taverns.”

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