PROPERTY: East London Brewing Co. reopens historic pub

East London Brewing Co. reopens historic pub

East London Brewing Co. and Taverns East Pub Group have joined forces to open the Empire Tavern in East London.

Located near Hackney Empire, the pub, which dates back to the Victorian era and was destroyed in World War II, is set to open on Friday 20 March.

Designed as a vibrant space for locals, workers and theatre-goers alike, the venue blends pub warmth with destination dining, craft drinks and a carefully curated programme of music and events.

Food is central to the concept, with casual all-day dining running from breakfast and lunch, through to evening dining, pre-theatre and Sunday roasts.

The evening menu also features the Leytonstone Taverns’, which also runs the Leytonstone Tavern and Tavern on the Hill, much revered burgers.

Exclusive to Empire Tavern will be the Bone Daddy Burger featuring, among other additions, smoked, braised beef brisket, confit garlic mayo, Guinness gravy, crispy onions and smoked bone marrow.

Co-working is also welcome during the day, with plenty of space for early morning coffee, with Flying Horse Coffee on offer.

In addition, Empire Tavern will showcase East London Brewing Co.’s beers and cask ales, alongside a rotating selection of local independent breweries such as Howling Hop and Saint Monday, as well as cocktails.

Inspiration for the design od the Empire Tavern has comes from upstate New York diners, boasting dark wood booths, classic red leather seating and warm seventies vintage lighting.

A new mezzanine level has been introduced, allowing for more seating and event space above the bar. Alfresco seating will also be available for up to 50 people.

Meanwhile, the entertainment programme will include weekly events, such as curated music and DJs, as well as seasonal celebrations.

Admiral unveils largest capex investment to date

Admiral Taverns has injected £572,832 into a suburban pub, marking its largest capex investment to date.

The Fairham, located on Farnborough Road in Clifton, Nottingham, reopened on Thursday 26 February following the significant refurb.

Part of Proper Pubs, Admiral’s community wet-led operator division, the Fairham has benefitted from new flooring, fixtures and fittings throughout.

A new main bar and snug area have also been introduced, alongside four flat screen televisions with Sky and TNT Sports.

In addition, the pub hosts a new games area, which includes two pool tables and two dart boards for customers to enjoy.

Outside, the Fairham has new lighting, signage, painting and fencing to greet customers as well as three refurbished gardens, with two TV’s and a pool table, to seat 180 people.

Operator Aaron Hessing, Operator of The Fairham, said: “The pub looks absolutely fantastic and it was a joy to reopen and show off its brand-new look to the community.”

On top of the wide-ranging drinks selection, the pub is set to host a regular schedule of entertainment including a DJ every Friday, live music every Saturday and themed party nights.

Hessing is also hoping to support the community by collecting food to donate to the local foodbank as well as raising money to have a lifesaving defibrillator installed.

Going forward, he also plans to run events such as summer festivals, a Santa run and Easter egg event to raise money for charity.

Proper Pubs operations director Matt Gurney added: “On behalf of myself and the Proper Pubs team, we’d like to thank Aaron for all his hard work and we wish him the very best for the future.

“This is our biggest investment to date for Proper Pubs and shows our commitment to becoming the number one community pub operator in the country, bringing people together in local areas and creating vibrant social hubs which support their communities.”

Heartwood Collection acquires 19-bedroom inn

Heartwood Collection, the award-winning operator of Heartwood Inns, has acquired the Lord Bute, a well-known hotel and restaurant in Highcliffe, Dorset.

The property sits adjacent to Heartwood Inns’ existing pub, the Oaks, and will undergo a significant refurbishment before reopening as an extension of the venue.

It means the Oaks will be able to offer overnight accommodation for the first time, with 19 boutique-style bedrooms created as part of the redevelopment.

Heartwood has also planned to refurbish the existing pub.

“When the opportunity arose to acquire a hotel and restaurant adjacent to our existing pub, we couldn’t believe our luck,” Heartwood Collection CEO Richard Ferrier said.

“We are delighted to welcome the Lord Bute to Heartwood Inns and intend to invest significantly in both properties. They will operate under the Oaks name, with an Autumn opening looking realistic.”

Las month, the group opened the Woodman in Southgate, it’s 35th pub.

Further openings this year include the Potter’s Heron in Ampfield, Hampshire, this month and the Meadow Lark in Trumpington, Cambridgeshire, later this year.

Leasehold of riverside pub on the market

Property adviser Christie & Co has been instructed to market the Mug House Inn in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

The Mug House Inn is a well-established riverside pub in a busy tourist town, known for its food offer, boasting more than 115 seated covers, a garden bar, and four en-suite bedrooms.

In addition, a separate agreement with a neighbouring landlord provides access to three further letting rooms. There is also a one-bedroom manager’s flat.

The current owner has held the lease since 2019 but has decided to sell due to health reasons.

The sale is being managed by Christie & Co. business agent James Dodd, who described the Mug House as a “standout” hospitality venue.

“It is rare to bring to the market a business of this quality, particularly one that has been so thoughtfully developed and offers such clear potential for the next operator”, he added.

The Mug House Inn leasehold is on the market with an asking price premium of £99,950.