New chapter for the Godolphin pub
St Austell Brewery has expanded its managed pub portfolio and has acquired the lease of The Godolphin situated in Marazion.
The Cornish pub now joins the brewery’s 46-strong managed estate. The site’s existing staff are set to remain at The Godolphin as part of the agreement which is between St Austell Brewery and the previous owners, St Aubyn Estates.
Chief operating officer of St Austell Brewery, Andrew Turner expressed his enthusiasm. He stated: “We are delighted to welcome The Godolphin and all the team into our managed pub estate”.
He further explained that as a family business, St Austell Brewery is “passionate about operating the region’s very best pubs,” and added that he views The Godolphin as “an exciting addition”.
Turner also stressed the importance of the pub to both locals and tourists alike: “The Godolphin is an important part of the local community as well as a favourite for the many visitors to the area, and we are looking forward to building on its reputation”.
Commitment to Cornish hospitality
Turner added: “This acquisition builds on the strong momentum we have in our managed pubs and follows the recent announcement about the transformative investment at the Pedn Olva in St Ives.”
He also highlighted the brewery’s commitment to the region and in particular the Cornish hospitality sector, adding that “this level of investment further demonstrates our commitment to West Cornwall and the Cornish hospitality economy more broadly”.
Chief executive of St Aubyn Estates, Felix St Aubyn similarly conveyed his optimism for the future of the pub, stating, “We’re delighted St Austell Brewery is taking over The Godolphin, an iconic Cornish venue, that will continue to flourish under their care”.
Enhancing the venue
The Godolphin offers 120 indoor dining spaces with 10 bedrooms, and an outdoor terrace with panoramic views spanning across to St Michael’s Mount. St Aubyn stated:
“I am very optimistic that this partnership, between two Cornish family businesses, will secure a bright future for The Godolphin for all those who know and love it.”
Nottingham welcomes arcade bar NQ64
New retro arcade themed bar, NQ64, is set to be launched in Nottingham this spring.
The site will bring classic gaming, neon decor, and also feature a cocktail menu.
The venue, which will be located in the former Roxy Ballroom on Thurland Street, is designed as an immersive space for game lovers showcasing a capacity of up to 300 and open until 2am daily.
The bar aims to become a key spot for late-night games and entertainment.
Gaming and drinks experience
NQ64 Nottingham will offer unique gaming elements, including a private dance mat room, elevated Guitar Hero space and a range of classic arcade games.
The game selection will include:
Dance Stage, Basketball, Guitar Hero, Mario Kart, and Outrun. Time Crisis 2 & 3, House of the Dead, Jurassic Park, and Rambo. Arcade classics such as Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, and Tetris.
The bar will also debut a revised drinks menu, with cocktails such as ‘Peach on the Beach’, ‘Kirby’ and ‘Quick Revive’, all listed on UV-reactive menus.
Commitment to Nottingham’s nightlife
Director of NQ64, Matt Robson, said: “Nottingham, we’re grafting behind the scenes to get ready for you!”. He added, after “some boozy market research”, it is clear that the hospitality scene in Nottingham is only improving and that NQ64 have goals to “be part of it”.
Robson explained that they are “fortunate to be taking over a historic venue that has housed a variety of offerings, now it’s our turn to transform the site.” He added: The space is vast, which excites me for filling it with one of our biggest selections of arcade machines and neon art creations.“.
The Drake: acquired by Merchant Pubs & Bars
Glasgow-based Merchant Pubs & Bars has added The Drake to its portfolio, which includes venues such as BAaD (Barras Art & Design) and also Blackfriars. The acquisition of the Glasgow based pub was completed just after the New Year.
A mini-refurbishment of the site was undertaken after the sale, which included the installation of both HD TV screens showcasing Sky Sports and new artwork with a revised food menu, and Sunday roast.
New pub experience
The Drake offers a varied draught selection, with beers such as Birra Moretti, Cruz Campo, and Beavertown Neck Oil, alongside offerings like Krombacher and Starnberger.
The venue also showcases a range of wines and classic cocktails. The revised menu includes pub classics, alongside signature dishes such as a venison hotdog with truffle mayo, and The Drake bacon mac burger.
A two-course set menu is also offered on Sundays, which includes a Sunday roast with a choice of roast beef, veggie Wellington or ham.
With the set course Sunday menu currently priced at £32.50 for two courses.
Future plans
Area Manager of Merchant Pubs & Bars, Graeme Moffat, said: “We’ve had our eyes on The Drake for a while, as it’s such an iconic pub in Glasgow. When the opportunity arose to acquire it, then it was a no brainer!”. He also highlighted the positive feedback from locals after reopening.
Head of Sales, PR and Comms, Courtney Flynn, said: “The Drake is a Glasgow institution and we’re super delighted to be able to get going with putting our own stamp on it”. The venue will continue to operate Rascal, but plans for the rest of the building remain undisclosed.
The Drake is open daily from 12 pm, and served food until late, offering the two-course Sunday roast menu each week.
Chickpea Group opens new Somerset site
The Chickpea Group is opening The Manor House Inn, its seventh pub with rooms, and tenth site overall. Located in Ditcheat, Somerset, the venue is set to open on Saturday 1st February.
The pub dates back to the 1600s and has been extensively renovated over a six month period, after being closed for six months prior to its acquisition.
New features
The Manor House Inn has been refurbished with four new bedrooms above the pub and five others in the rear courtyard. Inside, has capacity for 80 diners and drinkers, with an additional 100 covers available in the garden.
The venue showcases fully exposed beams with an open fire as well as a pizza kitchen. The new menu options include: “Pub Banger”
style meals, with pizzas and bar snacks on offer with ingredients from local suppliers. Sample dishes also include Westcombe rarebit croquettes, Brixham crab flatbread, and a Chicksgrove beef and stout pie. The drinks menu is provided by Gardner and Beedle, and offers local beers from Rude Giant and Woodshedding at Westcombe.
Opening plans
Head chef at the site, Jamie McDougall, is set to lead the kitchen, with General manager Ed Boylan. Co-Founder of Chickpea Group, Ethan Davids said, “We are so excited to head west and get stuck into the Somerset food and drink scene. The Manor House Inn is a truly beautiful pub with cosy nooks and plenty of outside space”.
He stated, “The pub has always been incredibly well-supported by the local area, so we hope people are as excited about opening as we are. We’re buzzing to meet our new locals at the bar – the first one’s on us!”.
Overnight stays will be priced from £100 per night B&B, for two people sharing.
Bat & Ball arrives in Covent Garden
Bat & Ball is opening a new flagship venue located in Covent Garden.
Set to open in March 2025, the site is located just steps from Seven Dials, and boasts 12,000 sq ft of space. The venue will showcase a wide array of games, with karaoke and live sports on offer with a revised food and drinks menu. The space is also designed to be a space that welcomes a range of social events.
Entertainment options
The new location offers over 8 different types of games, including beer and prosecco pong, ping pong, interactive dartboards, and pool.
Neon-lit nine-hole crazy golf course, and shuffleboard are also available. Karaoke rooms are also featured with over 11,000 songs on hand. The venue is set to also host live DJ nights and dancing.
Sporting events
Bat & Ball in Covent Garden will screen all major sporting fixtures, including the Six Nations and Champions League, with HD screens located throughout the site.
The venue is also designed for groups of 10 to up to 450 people.
Guests can book a professional ‘Games Master’ or Ping Pong Coach to curate events of their choosing.
Bat & Ball will host “Seven for Seven,” a week-long series of giveaways during opening week, in which guests can win prizes by playing darts.
The menu features shareable plates and also mains including hand-stretched pizzas, smash burgers, and vegan options.
Tattenham Corner reopens with Youngs Pubs
Tattenham Corner has been refurbished by Youngs, with a mix of traditional pub features and modern style creating a hub for both locals and visitors.
The pub features views of Epsom racecourse, offering a variety of dining and drinking options across it’s two floors.
Dining experience
Head Chef David Vild, utilises seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, creating a menu of both pub classics and more modern dishes. Options include homemade pies, vegetable plates and seafood options such as Maldon oysters. Sunday roasts are also on offer.
The bar offers a range of drinks including premium English lagers, pints, cocktails, and also a comprehensive wine selection.
Venue and sustainability
The pub features a horseshoe bar, with a barn offering reclaimed wooden beams, as well as a garden room overlooking the racecourse. The Paddock and The Oaks are available for private events of 20 to up to 200 people.
The pub also offers an all-weather garden complete with an outdoor bar and kitchen. Tattenham Corner works with local suppliers and uses eco-friendly methods, the booking signs at the site are designed to be planted and grow wildflowers.
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