Thwaites pumps six-figure sum into town pub
Lancashire-based pub operator and brewer, Thwaites, has welcomed customers back to the Bull’s Head in Earlswood, Solihull, after a £600,000 refurbishment.
The pub’s alfresco offer has been enhanced with a new outdoor space – named the Barn at the Bulls Head – which centres around an outside bar, with cosy nooks, a striking fire and heater for year-round drinking and dining. Table tennis and interactive games are also on offer
Inside, the property has benefitted from the addition of a new bar and a large space ideal for private dining as well as a new restaurant area to showcase a new menu.
The family and dog-friendly inn’s refreshed menu focuses on fresh local ingredients. The project has seen five new jobs created within the local community, with a 40-strong team now working at the Bulls Head.
Thwaites inns operations director Mick Horan said: “The refurbishment has been part of our long-term plan for the inn since it joined our portfolio.
“We’re thrilled to have reinvested back into the property and see this project come to life – just in time to welcome spring and kick off our best summer yet.”
Punch adds to growing portfolio
Punch Pubs & Co has acquired the Crown pub in Market Drayton, Shropshire, for an undisclosed sum.
The town centre pub, located on Queen Street, will join Punch’s leased and tenanted estate, managed by experienced multiple operators Ami Sanobar and Darren Paul. Former general managers Nikki and Mike will remain at the helm.
Punch head of acquisitions Andrew Cannons said: “We’re delighted to have expanded our portfolio with the Crown.
“This is a fantastic pub that is highly valued in the local community. It’s great to see Nikki and Mike make their return as general managers, and we know the team and guests will be equally delighted.
“With Ami and Darren’s experienced leadership, we do not doubt that the Crown will continue to thrive for many years to come.”
Said to be one of the oldest pubs in the town, the Crown boasts a traditional aesthetic with a refurbished wooden interior and a large beer garden to the rear.
Inside, there are three areas offering spaces to dine and drink, as well as a space for darts and pool.
Punch operations manager Christian Gregory added: “I’m looking forward to this new beginning at the Crown and excited to be working with Nikki, Mike and the team as they transition into the Punch family.
“The Crown is already an excellent pub, and we know the community takes great pride in it, so we’re looking forward to seeing its continued success with many exciting plans in the pipeline.”
Earlier this month, the Burton-on-Trent based pubco acquired four sites from Leicestershire business Everards.
The Old Kings Head in Long Buckby, the Paget in Loughborough, the Cricketers in Leicester and the Dog & Gun in Whetstone also joined Punch’s leased and tenanted estate. Read more here.
Admiral injects £315k into Grimsby pub
The Valiant pub in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, reopened on Thursday 10 April following a £315,000 investment from Admiral Taverns.
Located on Wingate Road, the Valiant is a Proper Pubs site, the community wet-led arm of Admiral.
Inside, the pub has been transformed with new furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings throughout. The back bar and function room have also been fully refurbished.
The Valiant also features four virtual dart boards, one pool table and several flat screen televisions, complete with Sky and TNT Sports.
Meanwhile, outside, new lighting and signage has been added and the terrace has been revamped, including new circular benches that seat up to 60 people.
Operator at the Valiant Mandy Barber said: “I am absolutely delighted to be at the helm of the Valiant and to have played a part in this fantastic investment. I’m confident it will help me and the team unlock the Valliant’s full potential as a true community pub.”
To celebrate the reopening, the pub hosted a complimentary prosecco reception and a live performance from a local artist, followed by a jam packed weekend of entertainment including disco, karaoke and more live music.
Proper Pubs operations director Matthew Gurney added: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Mandy at the helm of The Valiant.
“Her deep rooted connection to the pub, combined with her passion for the local community makes her the perfect person to create a thriving social hub that will sit at the heart of Grimsby for many years to come.
“On behalf of myself and the entire Proper Pubs team, we wish Mandy and the team the very best of luck for the future – I’m really looking forward to seeing all that she will achieve.”
GBPA winners to open third site
Steve Orme and James Thomson, who run the Red Lion in Shepperton and Golden Grove in Chertsey, have added a third Star lease to their portfolio, the Rose & Lion in Twickenham.
The site is part of their strategy to expand in sites in west London where they can add value. It marks the partners 10th anniversary in the pub industry, having previously run the Fish Club restaurants in London.
Their gastropub site the Red Lion in Shepperton is a former winner of Great British Pub Awards (GBPA) Star Pub of the year. Read more here.
Heartwood to open sixth pub with rooms
Heartwood Inns has revealed the Ragged Robin pub in Godalming, Surrey, will officially open on Tuesday 17 June.
Part of Heartwood Collection group, which was recently awarded ‘Best Pub Brand/Concept’ in the 2025 Publican Awards, the site marks the brand’s sixth pub with rooms.
The pub has benefitted from a multi-million pound renovation, including an extension to a dining area at the rear of the property, which opens onto a large garden with views of the River Wey.
In total, the Ragged Robin boasts 19 boutique bedrooms, with prices starting at £100 per night for a midweek stay, 200 internal dining and drinking seats, and an additional 124 outdoor covers. Read more here.
London pub the Sherlock Holmes reopens after ‘significant investment’
Famous London pub the Sherlock Holmes has received “significant” a six-figure investment to revive the historic building.
The pub, owned by Greene King, is famous for being one of London’s original themed pubs, and is said to have featured in the 1892 Sherlock Holmes story The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor.
Located on Northumberland Street, it is themed around Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s world-famous detective and contains a large collection of memorabilia related to the character since the 1950s.
Greene King said the Sherlock Holmes is the latest historical pub to receive investment, with the Crown – which dates back to 1833 and is the last remaining pub on the Seven Dials in Covent Garden – and the Garrick Arms, on Charing Cross Road, both reopening recently. Read more here.
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