Star’s £500k investment will create 15 jobs
Star Pubs & Bars and operator Paul Frost, who runs the Colston Arms, owned by Admiral Taverns, in the centre of Bristol, will overhaul the site, after Frost took on the lease this month.
It will be a dog-friendly local, serving food and ‘barista-style’ coffee, as well as creating 15 new jobs.
The funding follows Star’s commitment to invest millions of pounds into its tenanted and leased estate, recently announced by the pubco’s managing director Lawson Mountstevens.
Taking on the lease is part of Frost’s plans to build an estate of up to six pubs in Bristol, which he is doing to “capitalise on the city’s popularity”, he said.
“Bristol is buzzing,” added Frost. “It’s always either at the top or high up in the charts of the best places to live and there are a lot of people relocating from London.”
Not being invested in
He added: “It’s also an innovative place, so pubs not keeping up with changing consumer needs and not being invested in get left behind.”
The licensee didn’t think twice about taking on the lease of the Langton once he heard it was to receive investment, saying the area was “crying out for a good pub”.
Opening the venue will mean residents no longer have to travel over half a mile to a good pub, he added.
“The pub itself had become tired and didn’t have the facilities that people now want on their doorstep. So, it’s fantastic that with this investment we’ll be able to provide that,” continued Frost.
Funding will be spent on overhauling the interior and exterior of the pub, with décor being brought up to date, while remaining sympathetic to the site’s traditional character, said Star’s regional operations director Neil Convery.
The entrance and doorways will be widened for easier access, a function room will be reinstated and the bar will be given a new look.
The Langton has a skittles alley, which will be renovated with new glazing and panelling, and will be available for party bookings.
A games area
There will also be a games area with dartboard, pool table and other traditional pub games.
Meanwhile, seating capacity will be increased from 40 to 80 following a reconfiguration of the furniture.
An all-weather terrace will be built outdoors that will include new lighting, signage and planters, as well as additional seating, taking capacity from 10 to 50.
“We’re delighted that Paul is taking on the Langton,” said Star’s Convery. “He’s an experienced operator with a keen understanding of customer service, which is key to running a great community pub.
“Pubs need to evolve to remain relevant to consumer needs and ensure their long-term sustainability.
“Our investment, the introduction of food and coffee, and a greater selection of top-quality drinks, coupled with Paul’s community spirit and enthusiasm will create a great local for St Anne’s.”
