JDW to open two new city pubs
Pub giant JD Wetherspoon (JDW) is set to open two new pubs in London on Tuesday 30 September.
The pubs are the Sun Wharf near London Bridge and the Sir Alexander Fleming near Paddington Basin. A total of 170 new jobs has been created at the sites.
JDW chief executive John Hutson said: “We are delighted to be opening two new pubs in London. These are the first of a number of Wetherspoon pubs to open before the New Year.”
Heartwood opens 33rd pub after multi-million-pound refurb
Heartwood Inns has reopened the Red Lion in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, taking the total number of pubs in the Heartwood estate to 33.
The pub welcomed customers back through the doors on Tuesday 23 September in a ceremony officiated by the Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon, Dani Hunter.
Located on the historic town’s canal, the Red Lion is a listed building with 182 internal covers and an additional 386 external seats, created as part of the multi-million-pound refurbishment.
With general manager Ritesh Shetty and head chef Vikki Kumar at the helm, a seasonally changing and sustainably sourced menu will be on offer at the Red Lion, alongside a selection of local cask ales available on draught.
Heartwood CEO Richard Ferrier said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing this iconic pub back to life in a truly special town. Following a sympathetic refurbishment of the bar, restaurant and the spectacular garden, we are proud to be joining this vibrant and historic community.”
Fuller’s unveils new look for train station pub
Fuller, Smith & Turner (Fuller’s) has unveiled a new look for the Parcel Yard pub near London’s King’s Cross station.
As part of the renovation, the Loft Bar & Restaurant has returned to the venue, located on the top floor of the pub, it offers full service and laid tables with a range of special dishes, beer and wine.
Downstairs, the pub has been given a makeover, including velvet-covered armchairs and departure information screens. The Parcel Yard menu features sharing platters and small plates to offer a quick and tasty addition to a pre-train pint.
General manager Barbara Habib said: “I’ve always loved the Parcel Yard – having been a deputy manager here when it first opened. It looks better than ever following this investment and I know the customers are going to love it. I can’t wait to welcome both familiar and new faces and show off our fantastic venue.”
The Parcel Yard’s popular meeting rooms have also been refurbished – offering a range of sizes for everything from corporate meetings to weddings.
Fuller’s chief operating officer Fred Turner added: “The Parcel Yard has been an incredibly successful site for Fuller’s over the last 13 years – and now, to celebrate its coming of age, we have taken it to a whole new level.
“Whether you are stopping for a quick pint while waiting for a train, holding a business meeting, enjoying a three course-meal or tying the knot, the Parcel Yard offers a perfect, and very glamorous, solution.”
Meantime and KG Hospitality unite to open ‘community hub’
KG Hospitality group and Asahi-owned Meantime Brewery have joined forces to open the Dial, a new community hub in London’s Greenwich Peninsula.
Set across three floors, the venue, due to open in November, will combine a microbrewery, restaurant, sports bar, and live music space with a large outdoor terrace and a 360° view rooftop bar.
Despite its position near the O2 Arena and Greenwich station, the Dial is a multi-purpose venue designed first and foremost with the local community in mind, KG Hospitality co-founder Vineet Kalra told The Morning Advertiser (The MA). Read more here.
Loungers revamps Leeds site
Loungers has revealed a new look for its Cosy Club site in Leeds, the third venue to benefit from the brand’s refresh.
Originally opened in October 2014, the Albion Street venue has seen addition of bespoke carpeted walls, new curtains and a mirrored disco ball in the lobby.
Moving through to the bar and restaurant, the site boats nostalgic and cinematic-inspired decor. There’s also a vast fish tank wall complete with an aquatic Leeds cityscape.
Cosy Club managing director Lucy Knowles said: “Following the successful relaunch of Cosy Club Manchester and the opening of Cosy Club Reading, it’s fantastic seeing our new look rolled out here in Leeds.
“We have dialled up the glamour and really gone to town on luxurious detail, creating a beautifully curated space where our guests can party, drink and dine all under one roof, in a truly unique environment.”
From the kitchen, guests can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner menus featuring elevated, modern classics and Cosy Club specials.
General manager of Cosy Club Leeds Ben Wilson added: “Over the last eight years, Cosy Club Leeds has been a hub for groups of friends, date nights, family gatherings and much more, providing the perfect spot for everything from large parties to a quiet space to unwind with a coffee.
“I am so excited to welcome our regulars back into a stunning new venue, but with the team and service they have grown to know and love. This is a very exciting new chapter for Cosy Club Leeds.”
Admiral injects £500k into two pubs
Admiral Taverns has invested almost half-a-million-pounds into two sites this month.
First to open was the Crown & Cannon in Winlaton, Blaydon, on Friday 5 September, following a joint £275,000 refurbishment from licensee Jacquie Hall and Admiral.
Inside, the Crown & Cannon boasts a new bar, a combination of new tiled, wood-effect and carpet flooring as well as new furniture. A pool table and several 65 and 75 ich televisions complete with Sky and TNT Sport have also been introduced.
Externally, the pub has benefited from new signage, lighting, wooden tables and decorative hanging baskets as well as two spacious outdoor seating areas – one at the front of the site and one at the back seating a total of 40 guests.
On the new look, Hallcommented: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the results of this incredible investment, and I’m delighted to have reopened our doors once again.
“We may have a fresh new look, but it’s the community that makes this pub what it is, so it’s been a real joy welcoming them back.
“I’d like to thank everyone for all their support over the last five years, and of course Admiral for helping us bring this transformation to life. I can’t wait for everything the future has in store.”
Next to open was the Running Horses on St James Road in Wigan following a combined investment from licensee Patricia Nodwell and Admiral Taverns of £220,000.
Welcoming customers back on Friday 19 September, the pub has been transformed with new furniture, an updated bar area and fresh décor inside. Additionally, three 65-inch TV screens, complete with Sky and TNT sport, have been installed.
Externally, the pub features new lighting and signage as well as a revamped beer garden – seating up to 60 people – featuring new furniture, vibrant flowerbeds, foliage and fencing.
Nodwell said: “I’m thrilled to be reopening the Running Horses following this fantastic investment. I have loved every second of my time here at the pub and it feels incredibly special to be leading it into this exciting new chapter. I can’t wait to welcome customers, both old and new, back to the pub to show off its brand-new look and everything that it has to offer.”
Beckford announces trio of openings
The Beckford Group has announced “ambitious” plans to open three new sites in Wiltshire in early 2026, including its first hotel.
First to open will be Corsham House in February, which will open as a modern British brasserie with 94 covers and 14 bedrooms.
This will be followed by 17th century pub the King’s Arms in March 2026, located in the village of Monkton Farleigh and marking Beckford’s first pub opening since 2020. Read more here.
Star pumps £850k into coastal town pub
Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Scottish hospitality operators, the Discovery Group, have reopened a pub in East Lothian following an £850,000 renovation.
The Law pub on the High Street in North Berwick, which was previously known as the County Hotel, reopened on Wednesday 17 September with new licensee Donna McCallum at the helm after being closed since 2019.
Boasting two bars, a large beer garden, restaurant and bedrooms, the venue has been transformed with a new look, inspired by the local area, to compliment its new name. Read more here.
To be featured in the Morning Advertiser’s property round-up please send details and high-res landscape images to rebecca.weller@wrbm.com. See the previous round-up here.
