Brew York to open in Leeds
York-based craft brewer, Brew York, is set to launch a new concept venue in Leeds.
Named Brew+Bao, the new concept is a collaboration between Brew York and YUZU Street Food.
YUZU, known for its Asian fusion dishes, has been serving at Brew York venues in York since 2019.
The 1,700 sqft venue will occupy a former Black Sheep Brewery site on Stainbeck Road in Chapel Allerton, north Leeds, boasting 100 covers inside and 80 covers on an outdoor heated terrace.
It will offer guests the choice of more than 16 different fresh beers, some permanent and some on rotation, pouring alongside a handful of Brew York favourites.
Meanwhile, the food offer from YUZU has been curated to compliment a range of craft beers, featuring an extensive boa bun menu alongside loaded fries and other side options.
Work at the new Brew+Bao venue is currently underway and the site is expected to open on Friday 18 April.
Brew York managing director Wayne Smith said: “We have been searching for the perfect location to launch our first Brew+ venue, and the eclectic and vibrant Chapel Allerton completely won us over.
“It’s the ideal place for our new Brew+Bao concept and we can’t wait to be part of the local community there.
“Together with YUZU we believe we have created a unique beer and food experience, embracing bold flavours and a warm, welcoming atmosphere - something that has always been at the heart of Brew York - and we can’t wait to bring our passion and personality to Leeds.”
M&B reopens historic Nicholson’s pub
Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) has reopened one of its Nicholson’s pubs following a three-week long refurbishment.
The Blackfriar pub, located in Blackfriars, London, has been given a fresh new look in line with its historic Art Nouveau feel.
Updates to the venue include new furniture indoors and out, restored decorative features, upgraded restrooms, and an expanded selection of drinks.
A grade II listed building, the pub stands on the site of a former medieval Dominican friary and was re-modelled to its current state around 1905, reflecting its location and history. It features a range of murals and brass reliefs, as well as historical period outside decorations.
A small, vaulted dining room is also available, providing a stark throwback to the friary that stood on the site before the pub.
The food offer at the Blackfriar includes pub dishes, such as steak and ale pie or fish and chips, as well as Nicholson’s signature burger, alongside a new ‘Light Nights’ food menu.
Following the investment, a number of new jobs have also been created for the local area.
General manager Seamus said: “We have invested heavily in order to restore the historical elements of the pub while updating guest facilities and areas in keeping with the listed nature of the building.
“A redesigned bar with more offerings will allow us to offer more choices to our guests going forward and we look forward to being part of the community for a long time to come.”
Hydes injects £430k into boutique hotel
Salford-based brewer and pub operator, Hydes, has injected £430,000 into renovating the Abel Heywood hotel over the past year.
The refurb followed a seven-figure investment programme across Hydes pub estate in 2024, including a £200,000 refresh of the Abel Heywood pub some 12 months ago.
Located in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the venue’s hotel facility closed in January this year, with no disruption to the pub, bar or dining areas, for the most recent renovations.
The refurbishment saw all 15 rooms redecorated, as well as the addition of new beds, fixtures, and fittings, along with contemporary decor designed to appeal to modern city break guests.
In February 2024, the hotel’s existing Victorian-style décor was modernised and new external signage, lighting was installed as well as a refresh of the bar areas.
Originally acquired by Hydes in 2014, Hydes has transformed the premises from an almost derelict, fire-damaged former textile warehouse into the award-winning hotel it is today.
Hydes managing director Adam Mayers said: “The Abel Heywood is a cornerstone of our estate, and this latest investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to refurbishing our pubs.
“With its adjoined boutique hotel, it remains a favourite in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, and this investment will help build on the success it has achieved since we acquired it over a decade ago.”
Lomond Leisure Group and Star to relaunch Glasgow pub
Lomond Leisure Group (LLG) –which operates five hospitality venues in Scotland – has embarked on a joint £275,000 revamp of the Van Winkle bar on Sandyford Place in Glasgow with Star Pubs.
The site closed on Sunday 30 March ahead of work to transform the venue into Gael & Grain, a pub celebrating Scottish food, drink and music, set to open in mid-May and creating eight new jobs.
Star operations director for Scotland Matt Dyson said: “We’re delighted to be backing the Lomond Leisure Group in their plans to develop another fantastic venue in Glasgow.
“They are great ambassadors for Scotland, both in their work on behalf of the hospitality industry and in the outlets they create.
“LLG have a reputation for delivering quality experiences and superb food and drink to their customers. Gael & Grain’s celebration of all things Scottish will make it a great local as well as a destination for those from outside the area.”
Outside work will be undertaken to restore the exterior of the mid-1800s building in keeping with the surrounding conservation area and make over the garden areas at the front and back with new furniture, lighting and planting.
Meanwhile, new internal décor will incorporate natural materials with timber flooring, exposed brickwork and leather button-back seating, alongside fabrics and wallpapers designed in Scotland.
In addition, the 64-seater ground floor will cater for drinkers and diners, while the basement will act as an events space, hosting everything from comedy nights and live music to private parties and business meetings.
LLG director Derek Mallon added: “For a small country, Scotland punches above its weight when it comes to the food and drink it produces and is widely recognised as having some of the best meat and seafood in the world.
“There’s growing demand for great Scottish food and drink, and Gael & Grain will aim to meet this in a relaxed, welcoming pub setting.
“We’ve worked with Star Pubs for a number of years and appreciate the wealth of experience they bring to our partnership as well as their support and investment.”
St Austell unveils new look for 16th century coaching inn
St Austell Brewery has unveiled a new look for the Wellington in Boscastle, thought to be one of Cornwall’s oldest coaching inns.
Situated in the heart of the harbour village, the ‘Welly’, which dates back to 1853 and has 14 bedrooms, reopened last week following refurbishment.
The new design was inspired by the venue’s history - including its resilience through a flood in 2004 - drawing from the surrounding woodland and coastal landscape.
Original features such as the large open fire in the main bar, stained-glass panelling, and other period details have been lovingly preserved.
A previously condemned fireplace has been restored, meaning the pub now boasts three open fires, while a new snug area has also been introduced as well as an additional more intimate dining space on the first floor.
Meanwhile, the newly extended bar offers a wider selection of St Austell Brewery’s award-winning beers. With the addition of a terrace, the pub will be able to accommodate 125 covers inside and 100 outside.
A revamped food menu, championing local produce, is also available, featuring fresh fish and artisanal bread.
St Austell chief operating officer Andrew Turner said: “We are incredibly excited to be reopening the Wellington, the first of three major refurbishments across our managed estate this year.
“When we acquired the pub three years ago, we had a vision of what it could be and following this investment, we believe that the Wellington has been transformed for the next chapter of its wonderful history.
“We can’t wait to welcome our regulars and visitors back to showcase our award-winning hospitality.”
JW Lees inject £1.2m into Welsh hotel
Manchester brewer and pub operator JW Lees has reopened the Craigside Manor in Llandudno, Wales, as part of its premium Inns & Hotels collection.
The family-owned company acquired the site from Whitbread in August 2024. It closed for thirteen weeks for the £1.2m renovation project to be completed before welcoming customers back through the doors at the end of last month.
JW Lees managing director William Lees-Jones said: “The Craigside takes us to 366 bedrooms under company management and this shows how serious we are about transforming our 197-year-old family business with 48 sites under management as well as another 87 in our Pub Partner estate”.
Nestled beside the Little Orme, the hotel’s 20 rooms, many of which boast coastal and hillside views, have been refreshed.
In the pub and dining area, guests can expect freshly prepared seasonal dishes, alongside a lineup of JW Lees beers.
General manager Laura Carey said: “Watching the transformation of Craigside Manor has been nothing short of inspiring. Llandudno has such a special charm, and I’m thrilled to be part of this journey.
“JW Lees’ commitment to putting people at the heart of everything they do is something I truly admire. We can’t wait to welcome guests, old and new, and create unforgettable experiences in this incredible setting.”
Loungers opens 250th site
Café and bar brand Loungers has opened a new site in Norfolk, marking its 250th venue.
The milestone bar, named Rivolo Lounge, opened in Norwich last month. Read more here.
Village pub reopens after three-year closure
A village pub is set to reopen after almost three years of closure.
The Rose & Crown in Thorney, Lincolnshire shut in July 2021 before being bought by Sly Estates in 2022.
The company has announced L&J Hospitality will be the new tenants of the village pub.
Brother and sister James and Lauren Trevor have both been raised in the sector and currently operate the Six Bells at Witham on the Hill, Lincolnshire.
The newly refurbished venue, which had been closed for almost three years, is now home to eight en-suite letting rooms, dining room, bars and private function room. It is set to reopen shortly. Read more here.
Shepherd Neame pumps £1.2m into city pub
Shepherd Neame’s Westminster Arms pub reopened on Tuesday 25 March following a six-figure refurbishment.
The renovation included the installation of more sustainable technology, such as a smart cellar and an all-electric kitchen, alongside an exterior refresh.
Kitchen facilities at the pub have also been expanded, allowing for a new menu at the five-storey pub, located in the City of Westminster, London. Read more here.
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