Malt Shovel in Telford opens following £110k refurbishment
The Malt Shovel in Telford has reopened following a £110k joint investment from licensee Alison Bolton and Admiral Taverns.
The refurbishment has refreshed the pub’s bar and lounge areas with new carpeting, furniture and a softer décor scheme, while retaining traditional features including the open fireplace. A new exterior with updated signage and festoon lighting accompanies an upgraded outdoor seating area for around 30 guests.
Alison Bolton said: “I’m thrilled with the results of the investment and look forward to welcoming everyone back this afternoon. Whilst we may have a fresh new appearance, it’s the community that makes this pub what it is.”
Ongoing plans include weekly events such as dominoes, quiz nights and darts, with regular live music and themed events to follow.
Admiral Taverns’ business development manager Dolores Quigley said: “Alison has done a fantastic job creating a thriving community pub loved by locals, and we are confident it will continue to go from strength to strength under her care.”
The Head of Steam confirms Manchester city centre opening
The Head of Steam will open its first Manchester city centre venue this Friday (28 November), marking the 16th site for the Camerons Brewery-owned craft beer brand.
The new 2,800 sq ft Grade II-listed venue will seat up to 180 guests and feature a central island bar, restored industrial features, and 30 beer lines serving 24 keg and six cask options.
The opening follows the brand’s ongoing national growth strategy and will create 14 new jobs locally.
As part of a new collaboration, the venue will also feature a pop-up kitchen from That Burger Place, the award-winning Salford-based burger concept. Food will be served daily from 12-9pm, with a menu of classic and signature dishes including the California Dreamin’ Burger, Bacon Jam Burger, and sharing platters.
Camerons Brewery retail director David Scott said: “Manchester has been our number one target city for some time, and this opening represents a major step in our next phase of growth. The Northern Quarter is the ideal location to bring our craft beer community together.”
The venue will also offer live sport, AR darts and music and DJ nights.
Bird House London opens The Bush Tavern in Shepherd’s Bush
Bird House London, the operator behind The Hawk’s Nest, Peckham Arches and Bird House Brewery, has opened The Bush Tavern on Goldhawk Road, marking the group’s move into a more traditional pub setting.
The new independent pub will also become the permanent home to burger brand No Drama, with a menu built around its signature burgers and rotating specials, alongside fried chicken dishes, vegetarian sandos and a separate weekend brunch menu.
The site has been refreshed to create a warm neighbourhood pub with space for around 120 guests.
Drinks include small-batch beers from Bird House Brewery in Herne Hill, a changing lineup of guest ales and lagers, classic cocktails made with independent London spirits, and a concise wine list.
The pub will run a weekly programme of quizzes, comedy, live music and DJs, with Bird House London planning to add a basement speakeasy cocktail bar next year to extend late-night trading.
Bird House London co-founder Frazer Timmerman said: “The Bush Tavern blends classic pub culture with our style of contemporary hospitality. Working with No Drama gives them a permanent home in the heart of the community, and the focus here is simple: great food, proper drinks and a welcoming space for everyone.”
Poolhouse to open tech-driven competitive socialising venue at Broadgate
Poolhouse, the new competitive socialising concept from the creators of Topgolf and Puttshack, will open at 100 Liverpool Street in early 2026 as part of British Land’s Broadgate estate.
The 21,000 sq ft, two-floor venue represents a £12.5m fit-out and will accommodate up to 650 guests, positioned beside Liverpool Street Station to capture high footfall from both office workers and visitors.
The concept introduces AI-enabled pool tables that use integrated tracking technology and adaptive handicapping to support mixed-ability gameplay, forming the core of Poolhouse’s experience offer.
Alongside the gaming element, the venue will include a full hospitality programme with a menu inspired by New American cuisine, plus a cocktail list created with Three Sheets. A dedicated Guinness installation also forms part of the bar operation.
Poolhouse co-founder and CEO of Andrew O’Brien said: “Our ambition is to create a new standard for the sector by combining technology with an elevated hospitality experience.”
Poolhouse is due to open in early 2026.
Flight Club confirms Reading opening for 2026
Flight Club has confirmed it will open a new site at Station Hill in Reading in 2026, marking its second venue in the Thames Valley following Oxford.
The 6,211 sq ft bar will form part of the £850m Station Hill development next to Reading Station and will feature the brand’s signature mix of Victorian pub design with a fairground-influenced aesthetic.
Flight Club CEO and co-founder Steve Moore said: “We are thrilled to be bringing the Flight Club experience to Station Hill next year. We look forward to opening the doors and kicking off the party in 2026.”
Alex Aitchison, speaking for Lincoln Property Company and the Lincoln MGT joint venture behind Station Hill, added: “Flight Club enhances our retail and leisure offer at one of the key destinations in the Thames Valley for people to live, work and play.”
More details on the venue’s design and offer will be announced closer to launch.
