Star Pubs & Bars’ joint £750k refurb creates 20 new jobs

By Alice Leader

- Last updated on GMT

Team effort: changes include an all-weather garden with seating for 200
Team effort: changes include an all-weather garden with seating for 200

Related tags Star pubs & bars Investment

Star Pub & Bars and Gamechanger Pub Company have poured £750,000 into opening their second site, transforming it into a family-friendly, premium local.

The makeover has created 20 new jobs but Gamechanger’s ambitions continue to grow as it aims to build a bigger group on top of its current three leased pubs.

Formerly a wet only, under-used pub called the Cock Horse, in Banbury, Oxfordshire, the venue was renamed the Chatsworth to signal its new direction.

Liquid funds

Gamechanger director Clive Coules said: “Pubs fail when they’re cash starved and operators don’t have the liquid funds to develop them.

“I’m a big fan of leased pubs. Our money isn’t tied up in freeholds, so we’ve been able to jointly invest with Star at The Chatsworth to create a top quality pub with broad appeal.

“It has been a real partnership project – we’ve been involved throughout and able to make tweaks and changes as work progressed.

“The contractors Star used were excellent and the standard of the finish is fantastic.”

A stylish makeover

The investment has changed the pub’s external appearance with a new entrance, cedar cladding and an all-weather garden with seating for 200, festoon lighting and children’s play equipment.

The project has also added an extension housing a kitchen and 60-cover dining area; a sports zone featuring pool, darts, a state-of the-art AV system and BT and Sky Sports, as well as a coffee bar with soft seating and sofas.

To meet the needs of business people and those working from home, high-speed broadband, USB ports and multiple charging points have also been installed.

Replicating success

Star Pubs & Bars operations director for the south-west Neil Convery said: “Clive is a highly experienced licensee and business person.

“His other two pubs are thriving and we’re confident of replicating that success at the Chatsworth.

“The revamped pub provides lots more reasons to visit, meets the varied needs of local residents and delivers the premium experience they want."

On the look-out

Convery continued: “It’s a really bold investment that should put the Chatsworth back at the heart of the community and give people a local they can be proud of.”

Gamechanger is looking for more leased pubs in suburban and residential locations across Oxfordshire and on the Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire borders.

The company is interested in large sites with significant outside space and the potential to sustain different revenue streams.

Related topics Star Pubs & Bars

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