Fuller’s unveils new look for the Wellington at Waterloo
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Fuller’s has reopened the Wellington in Waterloo, London, following significant investment across the pub, hotel bedrooms and kitchen, alongside the addition of a new private meeting space.
The works have reinforced the site’s position as a sport-led pub, with Sky Sports and TNT Sports shown across 14 screens.
The food offer has been refined to focus on bar snacks and sharing plates, and the pub has introduced weekday breakfast service from 9am, with weekend and bank holiday opening from midday.
Upstairs, all 26 hotel bedrooms have been refurbished, with new mattresses installed throughout.
Fuller’s said the investment supports a more sustainable operation, with the kitchen now fully electric and supplied by 100% renewable electricity, reducing the site’s overall carbon emissions.
The refurbishment has also restored a number of original features, including the decorative ceiling above the bar depicting the Battle of Waterloo.
General manager Mark Leeds, who has run the pub for 24 years, said the project represents the most comprehensive upgrade in the site’s history.
He added that the introduction of a private meeting room, named the Wellesley, enables the pub to accommodate corporate bookings alongside its core pub and hotel trade.
Admiral’s reopens city pub following £315k refurb
The Wellington in Wavertree, Liverpool, has reopened following a £315k refurbishment by Proper Pubs, the community wet-led division of Admiral Taverns.
The investment has delivered a full internal overhaul, introducing new fixtures, fittings, furniture and flooring, alongside a refreshed main bar and lounge area. A dedicated sports zone has also been added, featuring a pool table, darts and large screens showing Sky Sports, TNT Sports and horse racing.
Externally, the pub now benefits from upgraded signage and lighting, while the beer terrace has been redeveloped with new seating, festoon lighting and refreshed fencing to create a more welcoming outdoor space.
Operator Stephen Rickards, a local resident, said he was proud to be reopening the pub as a community focused venue and confirmed plans for a full weekly entertainment programme including games nights, open mic sessions and live sport.
Proper Pubs operations director Matthew Gurney said: “The transformation has created a vibrant, inviting space that can be enjoyed by all the local community.
“On behalf of myself and the entire Proper Pubs team, we’re delighted with the successful reopening and wish Stephen and the Wellington all the very best for a fantastic festive season and beyond.”
The Pig & Whistle reopens after eight-week renovation project
Robinsons has reponed the Pig & Whistle in Cartmel, Cumbria, following an eight-week refurbishment, unveiling a reworked offer under operators Dean and Steph Richardson, who took over the pub in 2024.
While retaining its character as a traditional village pub, the refurbishment has reconfigured the interior to create a brighter, more spacious environment, with an upgraded bar and dining areas, and a refreshed layout designed to improve flow and comfort.
Food is positioned as a key part of the offer, with a menu combining pub classics, small plates, gourmet burgers and sharing dishes, with a drinks range that includes cask ales, rotating craft beers, an extended cocktail list and non-alcoholic options.
Robinsons pub partner Dean Richardson said demand was evident from reopening day, with strong local support and early footfall. He also highlighted collaboration with neighbouring businesses and the importance of community backing during the refurbishment period.
Mad Dog Brewery opens taproom in ex-fire station
Mad Dog Brewery has opened its new taproom in Cheltenham, taking over the former Fire Station building at St James Square.
The Cheltenham site becomes Mad Dog Brewery’s fourth taproom in four years, joining existing locations in Cardiff, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells. The family-owned brewery is known for producing beer using 100% UK-sourced natural ingredients, with no artificial additives or preservatives.
The taproom will serve Mad Dog’s core beer range, including a Kölsch-style lager, Welsh Red Ale, American Pale Ale, Oatmeal Stout and its flagship Marmalade IPA. The brewery also offers a certified gluten-free core range.
Food will form a key part of the offer, with the venue serving smoked BBQ meats, lunchtime small plates and Sunday lunches, all prepared on site.
Managing director Tim Waters said the opening reflects the business’s belief in supporting the pub sector and investing in welcoming, inclusive spaces. He added the Cheltenham taproom aims to serve a broad customer base, from families to social groups, while contributing to the local economy.
Wells & Co completes £500k refurb at Nottingham pub
Wells & Co has reopened The Playwright in Nottingham following a refurbishment investment of more than £500k, reinforcing its commitment to its managed pub estate amid ongoing cost pressures across the hospitality sector.
The pub reopened earlier this month after works to both the interior and exterior, including new interactive entertainment features, including darts and shuffleboard, alongside refreshed bar and customer areas designed to improve overall guest experience.
Wells & Co positions the project as part of its longer-term strategy to maintain resilient, high-quality venues within its portfolio.
Wells & Co retail director Benjamin Smith said: “Our investment in the Playwright recognises the importance and value of the pub experience, while also demonstrating our ongoing support for our teams, ensuring they can continue to thrive, even during challenging times for hospitality.
“Pubs remain a crucial part of our communities, and The Playwright now boasts an experience that builds upon our quality food and drink offer.”
Wells & Co said it is now focused on welcoming customers back to the Nottingham venue, with the refreshed layout and enhanced entertainment offering aimed at supporting both everyday trade and social occasions.
Potted Goose Group to open pub with rooms
The Potted Goose Group will open The Norman Knight in January 2026, expanding its Cotswolds estate with a nine-bedroom country pub with rooms in the village of Whichford, near Shipston-on-Stour.
The opening marks the group’s most ambitious project to date and combines a full pub and dining offer with overnight accommodation, including four bedrooms within the main building and five standalone outdoor cabins.
Run by Matt and Katie Beamish, the group operates The Kingham Plough, The Crown Inn in Enstone and The Hare in Milton-under-Wychwood. The Norman Knight
Set within a restored 17th-century former bakery overlooking the village green, the site has been extensively reworked to support year-round trade. The pub will offer up to 80 covers, a central bar designed for all-day use, and two private dining rooms aimed at group bookings and destination dining.
Indian Brewery Company to open at Birmingham Airport
The Indian Brewery Company is set to open its first airport site at Birmingham Airport in partnership with travel hospitality operator TRGC.
Scheduled to open in February next year, the venue will be located on the airport’s International Pier, adjacent to the departure lounge. It will mark the Birmingham-based operator’s third site overall, following its city centre and Snow Hill locations.
The airport unit will offer a condensed version of Indian Brewery’s taproom format, serving its locally brewed craft beers on tap alongside a food menu adapted for airport trading.
Core beers including Juicy Mango Pale Ale and Pekok Lager will be available, with food centred on the brand’s Indian-inspired pizzas and naan-based breakfast sandwiches, alongside toasties and small plates.
The opening represents Indian Brewery Company’s first move into the travel sector and forms part of TRGC’s strategy to bring regional brands into major UK transport hubs.
All Bar One invests £2.3m across transport hub sites
Mitchells & Butlers’ bar brand All Bar One has confirmed a £2.3m investment programme across three of its transport hub locations, with refurbishments and extensions underway at Birmingham Airport T2 Airside, Edinburgh Airport 1 West and Birmingham New Street Station.
The upgrades are designed to support rising footfall and all-day trading in high-traffic environments, with layout changes aimed at improving guest flow, speed of service and flexibility for travelling customers.
All Bar One Birmingham Airport T2 Airside reopened on 19 December following a redesign that includes a new main entrance, clearer zoning between dining and bar areas, and upgraded finishes throughout.
Edinburgh Airport 1 West will reopen on 7 February after expanding into the concourse, adding 30 additional covers and improving visibility within the terminal.
The most extensive project is at Birmingham New Street Station, where All Bar One is expanding into a new unit to add 90 covers, taking total capacity to 235. The site is set to reopen on 6 March following a full internal reconfiguration.
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