Join our new WhatsApp channel: The Morning Round-Up
Get the biggest pub trade stories straight to your phone. Listen to our one-minute daily news briefing and receive breaking news, exclusives and sector updates throughout the day. Remember to turn notifications on in the top right corner!
The Sir Ronald Wates will open its doors at the University of Surrey’s Stag Hill campus on Tuesday 14 July at 8am, following a full refurbishment.
It will be open to students and university staff alongside visitors and the local community, offering JDW’s full all-day menu with mobile app ordering and table service.
The new pub was first announced in February this year and takes its named from Sir Ronald Wates, whose family funded and constructed the original building.
Bespoke carpet
The Wates family gave permission for the pub to carry his name, continuing their long association with the university.
The pub’s new look includes redecoration internally alongside new lighting, artwork and signage as well as fixtures and fittings.
Its new bespoke carpet has been inspired by the county’s woodland heritage, with a prominent oak leaf pattern alongside the incorporation of the key from the university’s crest, symbolising learning.
This partnership will see the first UK university own and operate a franchise under the JDW business model meaning it will provide access to the pub company’s supply chain and operational systems while maintaining full control of staffing licensing and premises management.
Great addition
JDW chief executive John Hutson said: “We are delighted a JDW pub is to open at the University of Surrey.
“We are confident it will prove popular with students as well as members of the public and be a great addition for the university.”
The University of Surrey chief operating officer Will Davies said he was delighted to confirm the pub’s official opening date.
He added: “By drawing on JDW’s strong reputation and extensive supply chain, we’re confident this new addition will quickly become a popular social hub at the heart of our Stag Hill campus.”
The pub group has other venues at universities including Birmingham alongside plans to open another site at Scotland’s University of St Andrews in September.
