The Shaston Arms reopens in Soho under new independent management
Led by hospitality entrepreneur Joe Grossmann and Sam Andrews, former head chef at Ducksoup, the pub, which has been part of Soho’s community since 1999, has undergone a refurbishment to reflect changing consumer demand for more elevated food and drink experiences.
The updated offer retains its traditional pub focus while introducing a 35-cover dining area serving a menu that includes fennel with smoked cod’s roe, merguez frites baguette, celeriac fritter with leek vinaigrette, and steak with beef lardons.
Shaftesbury Capital’s head of restaurant leasing, Emma Matus, said: “We know that The Shaston Arms is a key social hub within the Soho neighbourhood, so it was vital we partnered with the right team. Having worked with Joe previously, we were confident he would put his mark on the pub to ensure it reached its full potential.”
Grossmann added: “The Shaston Arms is a beloved venue that we have the opportunity to evolve. With a real focus on experience and great hospitality, we’re honouring the pub’s iconic history while putting our stamp on it.”
North East entrepreneurs take on second Star Pubs lease
North East operators Andrew White and Michael Bray have taken on their second Star Pubs & Bars lease, adding The George Stephenson in West Moor, Newcastle upon Tyne, to their hospitality portfolio.
The pair, who also operate Fleet Street in Newcastle, have partnered with Star Pubs on a £205k refurbishment of the community local, which they have managed on a temporary basis for the past three months.
The investment includes full interior redecoration, new furniture, upgraded toilets, a new pool table and darts board, and the installation of five high-definition TVs showing live sport on Sky and TNT. A new commercial kitchen is also being fitted to support its food offering, while the exterior will be improved with new garden furniture and parasols.
White and Bray plan to introduce food, expand live entertainment, and use their background in marketing and media to build engagement through podcasts, sports Q&A events, and live music.
White said: “We’re interested in growing our hospitality business to include more community pubs and city centre bars in the North East if the right opportunities come along. Our design and training companies fit naturally with hospitality, and we’re exploring ways to link all aspects of our work to enhance the customer experience.”
Star Pubs & Bars business development manager Tammy Molson added: “Andrew and Michael have done a great job with Fleet Street, where the atmosphere is buzzing. I am confident they will weave their magic at The George Stephenson too. They have a clear vision for the pub and the added benefit of extensive in-house marketing and training expertise.”
The project will also create new local jobs and is expected to complete in time for reopening later this year.
Urban Pubs & Bars to reopen St John’s Tavern, Islington, following £1m refurbishment
Urban Pubs & Bars will reopen St John’s Tavern in Archway, Islington, on 31 October, following a £1m refurbishment.
The historic 19th-century pub, known for its seasonal British menu and heritage interiors, was acquired by Urban Pubs & Bars from an independent leaseholder at the end of September.
The relaunch will retain the venue’s original Victorian features while introducing a refreshed design, upgraded kitchen, reconfigured lounge, and improved garden area.
The reimagined space will accommodate around 250 guests across a bar ‘snug’, main bar, lounge, dining room, and outdoor seating.
The new food offer will centre on modern seasonal British dishes, including Maldon rock oysters, scallops with leek cream and bacon, skate wing with caper and parsley butter, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder with braised lentils. Traditional Sunday roasts and monthly supper clubs will also feature.
Urban Pubs & Bars MD Chris Hill said: “St John’s Tavern is one of North London’s true gems, a classic Victorian pub with an incredible history and a loyal local following. Our investment ensures it remains a neighbourhood favourite while evolving into something fresh and exciting.”
Shepherd Neame reopens Westminster pub The White Horse and Bower following £950k refurbishment
Shepherd Neame has reopened The White Horse and Bower in Westminster after a £950k refurbishment.
The historic site, located minutes from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, has been transformed over a three-month project combining its heritage features with a contemporary interior and upgraded facilities.
The project also introduced sustainability measures such as energy-efficient fridges, smart cellar technology, LED lighting, and a fully electric kitchen.
Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are very proud of our transformation of this unique pub. Pubs play a key role in their communities, and it is vital that we do everything we can to protect and preserve them for generations to come.”
The reopened pub now offers a refreshed menu focused on locally sourced and seasonal dishes.
The relaunch event also saw the brewery present a £1,000 donation to the Cardinal Hume Centre, supporting local people with childcare, housing, and employment initiatives.
Admiral Taverns invests £245k in the Lodge, Dukinfield
The Lodge on Cheetham Hill in Dukinfield has reopened following a £245k refurbishment by Proper Pubs, the community wet-led division of Admiral Taverns.
The investment has transformed the interior with a revamped bar area, new flooring, furniture, fixtures, and fittings throughout. A dedicated games room has been added, featuring a pool table, darts board, and a large television screen showing Sky Sports, TNT, and horse racing.
Externally, the pub now features new lighting and signage and a refreshed outdoor area seating up to 120 people. Improvements include a covered pergola, decked flooring, and an outdoor television.
Operator Nataliya Denson said: “It was amazing to welcome customers, both old and new, back to show off the pub’s new look. This refurbishment is exactly what was needed to ensure The Lodge remains at the heart of Dukinfield for many years to come.”
The pub will continue to host community-focused entertainment including craft fairs, live music, pool, darts, dominoes, bingo, and quiz nights, alongside fundraising events for local causes.
Proper Pubs operations director Nikki Greenhalgh added: “It’s a real pleasure to welcome Nataliya to The Lodge. Her passion for the community, combined with her impressive experience in the pub sector, will help create a fantastic local venue that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Proper Pubs operates over 220 pubs across the UK and was named Best Community Pub Operator at The Morning Advertiser’s Publican Awards 2024.
Devon’s smallest pub opens at Compton Pool
The Gropers Arms, believed to be one of England’s smallest licensed pubs, has opened at Compton Pool, a 14-acre holiday estate near Paignton.
Converted from the estate’s former reception and ice-cream parlour, the micro-pub measures just 2.3m by 3.3m and features a 140cm bar with seating for 10 guests inside and around 20 on the terrace overlooking landscaped gardens and fishing lakes.
Named after its location on Gropers Lane, the venue serves small-batch Devon spirits, local wines, craft ales, and a signature frozen strawberry daiquiri, with simple food such as breakfasts, pizzas, and smash burgers due to be introduced soon.
The pub forms part of the estate’s growing leisure offer, which also includes alpaca walking experiences.
