Chestnut continues expansion
The Red Lion, East Bergholt, the Angel Inn, Stoke by Nayland and the Anchor Inn, Nayland have joined Chestnut group, the east of England hospitality group.
These new additions come as the group has opened three new lodge style bedrooms in the grounds of the Crown Stoke by Nayland. This brings the number of pubs operated by Chestnut to 24.
The Angel Inn and the Anchor Inn remain open to the public and will continue to trade as normal while the Red Lion will re-open on 25th August.
CEO Philip Turner said: “Despite the challenging environment we remain committed to a successful future for hospitality and are thrilled to welcome these charming places into our collection, securing their future for local communities.
“Each one has its own character which, as always, we’ll preserve, adding Chestnut’s commitment to place, provenance and personality. We’re looking forward to working alongside the team and getting to know the guests.”
Proper Pubs relaunches pub after £260K investment
The Crows Nest on Douglas Road, Hull, has relaunched following a significant investment of more than £260K.
The pub is part of Proper Pubs, the community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which operates more than 200 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales.
Inside the pub has been transformed with brand new fittings, fixtures, flooring and furniture throughout as well as multiple flat screen televisions complete with Sky, TNT Sports and horse racing channels.
There is also a completely revamped bar, new toilet facilities, a darts area and an updated function room available for community use.
Outside, the pub hosts new lighting, fencing and signage as well as a spacious beer garden seating more than 40 people at the back and 10 people at the front.
The pub will host a busy schedule of regular entertainment including live music every weekend and a Wednesday social club where visitors can play bingo, do karaoke and play games.
There are also plans to introduce new men and women’s pool teams from mid-September, alongside the existing darts league.
Operator Kiely Sharkett said: “I’ve loved every minute of my time at the Crows Nest so far and it’s been amazing watching the refurbishment come to life.
“The pub looks absolutely fantastic, and it was a joy to reopen and show off its brand-new look to the community. We’ve already had great feedback from customers so overall I’d say the reopening was a huge success and I can’t wait for what the future holds.”
Bishops Sutton pub to reopen
The Ship at Bishops Sutton, near Arlesford, is to reopen its doors following a full refurbishment of the 16th-century pub.
The pub is designed to serve both its local community and the growing number of weekenders and visitors looking for quality countryside dining within reach of London.
At the helm is first-time publican Kelly Shaw, a former cybersecurity consultant turned interior designer.
To lead the kitchen, she has brought in Michelin-starred chef Tristan Lee and Emma Riddell, a seasoned hospitality professional known for service leadership, joins as Head of Customer Experience.
The 44-cover pub and adjoining 22-cover private dining room have been entirely redesigned to transform the historic site into an multi-use space that caters to everything from weekday coffees to celebrations.
The menu, developed by Lee, offers snacks and small plates including Ham Hock Doughnuts served with punchy piccalilli; Plaice Goujons doused in moreish brown butter and Pork Schnitzel served with samphire and fennel remoulade.
Mains include Trout served on a bed of roasted shallots, watercress and bacon, and beetroot tart served with ricotta, cherries, and rainbow chard.
The drinks include organic and biodynamic wines from small-scale producers, a curated selection of classic cocktails, and a rotating line-up of beers that champion local breweries and guest favourites.
Shaw said: “Although I kickstarted my working life pulling pints in Winchester, I went on to pursue a decade-long career in global cyber security consultancy before deciding to unleash my creative side through interior design."
She added: “When I decided to take over the Ship, I knew my unique blend of experiences would come together, and I have been able to draw on my technical and business acumen while considering the sensory richness of dining and design, all of which are in constant dialogue with each other.
“As we approach the opening date, I am excited to see The Ship’s calm confidence come to life through thoughtful hospitality.”
Operator reopens pub closed for three years
Southend-on-Sea based multiple operator Jamie Foster has taken on his second substantive lease with Star Pubs with the Railway Hotel in Southend-on-Sea.
The pub, which has been closed for three years, is to reopen at the end of September after a joint £650,000 refurbishment of the site by Star Pubs and Foster.
Foster also has a Star Pubs lease for the Old Garrison in Shoeburyness – a community local - and runs a third Star Pub, the Spread Eagle in Southend, a football driven pub, on a temporary agreement. Star said he has turned around both pubs since taking them over.
Foster said: “I have had my eyes on The Railway Hotel for a year. I could see its potential and know the local market well.
“I can’t wait to reopen it and make it a landmark music venue once again whilst broadening its appeal with great food and other activities. With such a large prominent site, I’ve no plans to extend my business for now.”
The refurbishment is designed to enhance the Railway Hotel’s existing historic features including its floors and long oak bar whilst bringing it up to date with more contemporary elements.
Upstairs, there are two rooms, one which will have a pool table, interactive darts and a weekend bottle bar, and the other with a stage for live acts. The rooms are available for hire for private functions.
Further upgrades will include new modern toilets and a commercial kitchen to enable the pub to provide a strong and all-day food offer.
The outside is to be totally overhauled, redecorated in black with gold signage giving the pub a smarter look in keeping with its prominent location.
Star Pubs investment manager Matt Cornwell said: “We’re delighted to be coinvesting with Jamie to reopen the Railway Hotel.
“It’s part of a £40m investment that Heineken UK is making this year upgrading and reopening pubs.
“Jamie has a proven track record of turning around underperforming pubs. Interest in the future of The Railway Hotel locally is massive.
“It deserves someone passionate to take it forward. Jamie loves Southend-on-Sea and the Railway Hotel and will do a fantastic job restoring it to its former glory.”
Hydes reopens two pubs after investments
Hydes has reopened two pubs after extensive refurbishments.
The Old Plough in Ashton on Mersey reopened its doors following an extensive investment of £550k while the Bull’s Head in Lymm has reopened following a £160,000 refurbishment.
These are part of a major ongoing investment programme by Salford-based brewer and pub retailer, Hydes.
The Old Plough has received a comprehensive renovation with a redesigned interior featuring new seating, a fresh decor scheme, an expanded and reconfigured bar area, upgraded signage and a revitalised beer garden.
General manager Niamh Kenny said: “We’re incredibly proud to be opening the doors to the new-look Plough.
“It’s been at the heart of this community for decades and now it’s been brought right up to date, while keeping the charm and character people know and love. The beer garden is unrecognisable and the revamped interior is already proving a big hit.”
The Bull’s Head refurbishment has focused on a complete internal redecoration, transforming the pub’s interior with a refreshed, contemporary design while retaining its warm and traditional character.
The investment has revitalised the layout and overall atmosphere, making it the perfect destination for relaxed drinking and cosy gatherings.
General manager Iain Craig, who has run the Bulls Head for the past four years but has worked with Hydes for 23 years in total, has plans to launch weekly live music, sports and a curry night on a Wednesday, a popular partnership with local Indian restaurant, Naz’s Spice Lounge.
He said: “This is a great pub in the village and I’m delighted Hydes has delivered such a high-quality refurbishment that has truly revitalised it.
“Many of the regular customers have been looking forward to this and the changes really do make a big difference without altering the character which serves the pub so well. The investment will undoubtedly help us to make the most of the remainder of the summer season and have a great end to the year.”
Hydes owns and operates more than 40 pubs across the North West and North Wales, continues to invest heavily in its estate
Croeso Pubs adds the Cricketers to its growing portfolio
Cardiff-based Croeso Pubs has added another pub to its growing pub chain.
It has taken over the lease of the Cricketers in Pontcanna, bringing its pub estate to nine.
The company already runs eight venues around Cardiff including city centre pubs - the Philharmonic, Blue Bell, Brewhouse, Retro, and gastro pub Daffodil. Read more here.
Joseph Holt teams up with Black Friar operators to open new gastro destination
The team behind the iconic Black Friar pub in Salford are set to expand in partnership with Manchester brewers Joseph Holt.
Four-years on from the outstanding restoration of the Black Friar, the pub’s team of owner Neil Burke and exec chef Ben Chaplin are set to bring their gastro flair to Chorlton, as they take over the Horse and Jockey.
The 200-year-old pub, which is one of the oldest sites in the Joseph Holt estate, is now set to be relaunched as Chorlton’s first ever gastropub. Read more here.
Vagabond Wines unveils plans to open winery
Vagabond Wines unveils plans to open the UK’s largest ‘urban winery’ in London’s Canada Water.
The 6,000 sqft flagship unit will be located on the ground floor of the recently completed Dock Shed building and will feature a working 100-tonne winery, self-pour wine machines and multiple event and private hire spaces.
With production capacity of up to 100,000 bottles per year, and space for more than 300 daily visitors, the new winery brings large-scale wine production and immersive hospitality to central London. Read more here.
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