Investment into local communities from pubcos 'really important'

This comes as one of the firm’s sites in the West Midlands reopened earlier this month following a £241,000 investment from the multi-site operator.

Brooke added pub companies have a “responsibility” to provide for local communities and refurbing sites is one way to do this.

He continued: “Local high streets and communities have been decimated recently. The local veg and butchers’ shops are gone, the post offices and banks are closing down or moving, pubs are the last real hub where likeminded people can get together to socialise and connect.

“Keeping those properties and businesses in good shape with a strong retail offer is really important.”

The “transformed” Castle pub in Dudley, which is part of Admiral’s Proper Pubs division, welcomed customers back on Friday 7 July with a live music, karaoke and a DJ.

Inside, the Castle has benefitted from a new bar, flooring and fixtures throughout with the site now operating as a large open-plan room while the pub’s outdoor area has been renovated with a new khaki green exterior as well as updated signage, lighting and windows.

Licensee of the Castle Lucy Jo Hickman said: “The feedback we received from our community was amazing and we can’t wait to see them again soon.”

Offering a wide drinks range as well as a full sports package of Sky Sports, BT Sports and Horse Racing, the pub also hosts an annual schedule of events such as regular quiz and karaoke nights alongside charity events to support local causes, including raising money for an onsite defibrillator.

Brooke added Admiral had made sure the almost quarter million-pound investment into the Castle “touched every part” of the venue to “maximise” the venture.

“We've spent millions of pounds in local communities enhancing pubs or investing in pubs to make sure that they are a focal point. [The Castle] in Dudley is a good example of us investing into the high street and making sure there is a good quality pub with a consistent offer”, he continued.

Though the director also stated Admiral were careful to be “respectful” of the geography or region of any pub it invests in and wants its sites to reflect the community values of an area.

He said: “The refurbishment at The Castle looks fantastic. The team worked hard to ensure it is a success for the local community.

“[At Admiral Taverns] we make sure that as well as offering the best pub in a particular area, we take regional variances into consideration and that’s important. We’re not just putting a badge on the door.”

All Bar One reopens Wimbledon site 

All Bar One, which is owned by Mithcells & Butlers, has reopened its Wimbledon site following a four-week refurbishment.

The bar has been given a “refreshed and modern look” with a brass top bar and floral detailing as well as a new food and drink menu.

Working in partnership with Sipsmith Gin, the bar will also be debuting the drinks company’s new onsite summer terrace.

General Manager at All Bar One Wimbledon, Jamie, said: “We’re really excited to be back open with such a fresh new look.

“We’ll be showing off our fantastic cocktail masterclasses, and some of our great new spaces that are all available to book for private parties.”’

King Pins opens new flagship bar

Experiential bar King Pins has opened its new flagship site at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester.

The 20,064 sq ft venue opened on Monday 17 July and has been designed for “all ages “with a variety of activities on offer including 15 lanes of Ten Pin bowling, 4 lanes of Duck Pin bowling, shuffleboard, ice free curling, batting cage, karaoke and arcade games.

Foodwise, King Pins Manchester bar offers two independent food concessions, local pizza company PLY and Asian street food favourites Little Bao Boy, as well as its own dessert kiosk, Royal Treats.

At the bar, customers can choose from a variety of bottled and draught beers, including products from Salford brewery and Seven Bro7hers, alongside cocktails, alcohol-free options and homemade slushies. 

King Pins brand manager James Travis said: “We’re excited to open the doors and welcome people into King Pins at Trafford Palazzo.

“The venue has been in the works for a while, and we can’t wait to showcase everything we have on offer, from Ten Pin Bowling and arcade games to the top-tier food vendors and bar. We don’t call it the Crown Jewels of bowling for nothing.”

Punch Pub reopens under new management 

Punch Pub’s site the Robin Hood in Sutton has reopened with two new publicans at the helm.

Steve and Clare Read, who have operated several pubs together previously, have spent the last few weeks welcoming guests old and new after moving to the area from Manchester.

The pub offers customers a wide variety of options, from pub classics to bar snacks and cask ale to cocktails.

Steve said: “The Robin Hood is a great pub and the community have been so welcoming.

“For us it’s all about the community, getting people in, having a laugh, and making people feel comfortable.”

An advocate for the community, Steve is enthusiastic to showcase local talent with regular karaoke evenings, a rock n roll bingo and live music acts, and hopes to encourage local artists to get involved too.

The duo has also planned a welcome party at the pub on Saturday 29 July with live entertainment.

Punch Pubs & Co Operations Manager Ryan Bridge said: “Steve and Claire run a great pub and I’m excited to be working alongside them at The Robin Hood.

“I’m looking forward to supporting them with their plans and I’m hopeful that they will have many successful years down here in Sutton.”

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