Admiral invests £16m in refurbs so far this year
The level of capital investment equates to around 12% of the community pub group’s estate, which currently includes 1,600 sites.
Founded in 2003, Admiral aims to put community at the heart of its business and is headed up by chief executive Chris Jowsey, who has 20 years of experience in the brewing and pubs sector.
Jowsey was Heineken commercial director before leading Star Pubs & bars for four years. He went on to join the board of Heineken UK as on-trade director in January 2016 and joined Admiral in July 2019 as CEO.
On the investments made by the group this year, Jowsey said Admiral strongly believed in creating long-term, sustainable pubs that sit at the heart of their communities and support all aspects of local life.
Active investment programme
He added: “An active investment programme is a core part of this to ensure our pubs can thrive within their communities.
“However, it’s not just about the transformational interior and external refurbishments, the smaller investments are just as important, whether that is upgrading licensee accommodation or making essential structural repairs.
“They also go further than the cosmetic changes and include such things as energy-saving technology in the cellars.
“Pubs are the cornerstone of British life and have been bringing people together for centuries so it is essential we continue to facilitate such an important part of community life.
“The results from these refurbishments are incredible and I wish each of our licensees and operators every success for the future.”
Pub refurbishments
Here are a number of the refurbishments Admiral has undertaken over the course of 2023:
Admiral and new licensee pump £250k into Glasgow venue
Most recently, a quarter of a million pounds was invested into a Scottish site as a joint effort from Admiral and new licensee Jacqueline Kyle.
This was the largest sum paid by the pub company for a redevelopment in Scotland. It featured a completely redecorated interior including a new bar, flooring and lighting with new signage and lighting outside alongside a new look garden at the Millwood, Glasgow.
Take a look inside new look city pub
Recently reopened the Maindee in Newport, south Wales received £215,000. Its makeover included a new bar area, furniture, wooden flooring, soft furnishings, fixtures and fittings throughout.
Furthermore, a number of community initiatives will be supported with the aim of raising money to have a defibrillator installed on site.
Admiral Taverns ploughs £430k into estate
A duo of pubs had a combined investment of £430,000. The County in Willenhall, West Midlands received £230,000 while the Toad in Colwyn Bay, north Wales reopened after a £200,000 refurbishment.
New furniture, flooring and soft furnishings featured in the makeover of the County while the Toad had a new bar as part of its new look.
£180k invested into pub renovation
Hertfordshire site the Plume of Feathers in Little Wymondley, Hitchin underwent a transformation of its interior and exterior as part of its £180,000 renovation.
The pub has new lighting and signage alongside newly planted greenery while its garden has also been overhauled.
New inside and outside look for town site
New lighting and signage outside was also a recently installed feature at the Gardeners Arms in Northampton, which received a £217,000 transformation.
While inside the pub, the redecoration included a new bar, flooring, fixtures and fittings throughout.
Pub reveals new look following £160k makeover
Chester pub the Brewery Arms, which is part of the multiple operator’s community welcomed guests back in June after a complete transformation.
New flooring and furniture were installed inside alongside a new bar, darts board and pool table with the external space being upgraded with an all-weather courtyard and state-of-the-art television.
Castleford pub after £335k investment
A £335,000 joint investment from Admiral and licensees Terry and Keeley Greaves at the Royal Oak Inn, Castleford was announced earlier in the summer.
The pub received a complete redesign inside with dark blue walls alongside a mixture of wooden and tile flooring while outside, the West Yorkshire site now has new lighting and signage as well as a new deck next to the garden seating.
North-east pub opens doors following £310k refurb
An MP attended the reopening of the Miners Arms in Middlesbrough, which received a £310,000 investment.
The pub’s two existing spaces were merged into one to create a brighter and larger space for socialising, allowing for a dedicated sports and entertainment area.
£176k garden upgrade for seaside town pub
The outside space at the Station Hotel in Filey, East Yorkshire was the focus of a £176,000 transformation.
Made in time for maximising the summer season, the refurb included new external furniture, festoon lighting and a pagoda to help create a space for all year round.
Admiral division ploughs £180k into pub revamp
A complete transformation to the tune of £180,000 took place at the Honeysuckle in Wigan including a new bar, furniture and a redecoration throughout.
A shelter was also installed over the decking area in the garden to help provide a space all year.
Manchester pub reopens after £240k investment
The Strawberry Gardens in Droylsden, Greater Manchester saw the investment of almost a quarter of a million pounds in April.
As part of transformation, there was a new bar, furnishings and fixtures as well as new flooring, furniture and additional huts in the garden.
Pubco pumps almost £350k into two refurbs
Two Staffordshire pubs received refurbishments costing a total of £347,000 earlier in the year (April).
Some £135,000 was spent on a new look for the King’s Way in Stoke-on-Trent while the Pool Dole, also in Stoke, received a £212,000 renovation.
