The Chester-based pub company has continued to roll out upgrades to venues across the country as part of its ongoing growth strategy.
Among the first to reopen was the Three Horseshoes in Chesterfield, which welcomed customers back on Thursday 25 June following a £374,401 investment.
The refurbishment included new flooring, fixtures and fittings throughout, alongside upgraded bar and snug areas.
Six flat-screen televisions showing Sky and TNT Sports have been installed, together with a new dartboard and pool table.
Outside, the pub has been refreshed with new paint, lighting and signage, while the beer garden has also been refurbished.
As part of Admiral’s community wet-led Proper Pubs estate, the Three Horseshoes will offer a wide range of drinks promotions.
Operators Will and Rob Bown, who bring a combined 22 years of hospitality experience, have planned a busy entertainment schedule.
They also intend to support the local community by collecting for the foodbank, fundraising for a bleed kit to be installed outside the pub and hosting fundraising events for homelessness charity Pathways of Chesterfield.
Community-focused
Elsewhere, the Crown in Littlehampton, West Sussex, also reopened last month following an investment of more than £287,208.
The refurbishment transformed the interior, introducing new flat-screen televisions, dartboards and a pool table, while the garden has been upgraded with seating for 25 people.
Leading the venue are experienced operators Toby Guise and Michelle King, who plan to host weekly karaoke nights and live music, alongside foodbank collections and fundraising for local charities.
In Stretton, the Beech Hotel has also unveiled a new look and expanded drinks range following a £195,000 investment.
The pub now serves cask ales alongside premium draught lagers and ciders including Madri, Carling, Guinness, Cruzcampo, Aspall, Alpaca and Rekorderlig.
Inside, the venue has been modernised while retaining original features including hardwood floors and traditional fireplaces.
Outside, visitors are welcomed by new signage, fresh paintwork and an improved beer garden complete with new seating and a refreshed stage area.
Father-and-daughter team Adrian and Millie Billings are now at the helm and are committed to creating a family-friendly pub at the heart of the community.
Plans include regular live music and quiz nights, while the Beech Hotel will continue as the official away-day pub for Burton Albion FC supporters.
Admiral business development manager Richard Skinner said: “It’s also been brilliant to see two generations working side by side and the passion they both have for the pub trade.
“This pub is a vital part of the local community in Stretton, and I have no doubt the team here will be looking after locals for a long time to come.”
Combined investments
In Essex, the Wheatsheaf Inn in Castle Hedingham reopened on Friday 17 July following a combined £192,000 investment from licensee Greg Morgan and Admiral Taverns.
The refurbishment has refreshed the pub throughout and expanded the outdoor seating area to accommodate 80 people.
Meanwhile, in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, the Church House has benefited from a £165,000 investment.
The refurbishment included an extended games room and a full interior refresh with new fixtures and fittings.
Outside, the pub now boasts a new beer garden and dedicated sports viewing area, both fitted with heating and lighting.
Licensee Dean Lyth plans to bring the community together with weekly DJs, live music and karaoke, while supporting a range of local charities and causes.
The drinks range has also been updated to include Moretti and Orchard Pig, while the food menu now features traditional pub favourites during the week and a Sunday carvery.
Back in June, the Sportsman Arms in Redditch reopened following a £130,000 refurbishment.
The investment delivered new fixtures and fittings throughout, a new dartboard in the games area and five flat-screen televisions showing Sky and TNT Sports.
Additionally, the smoking area has also been upgraded with festoon lighting and new signage.
Licensees Jo and Tony plan to establish a darts league team, introduce a regular programme of live music and hold fundraising events for Macmillan Cancer Support.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with how the refurbishment came along,” they said.
“Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure that the Sportsman Arms feels fresh and exciting, while still retaining the warmth and character that makes this place so special for the community.”
Looking ahead
Work is also underway at The Greyhound in Cromford, Derbyshire.
The historic inn, built by Richard Arkwright in 1778, is undergoing a significant half-a-million-pound refurbishment by Admiral Taverns in partnership with operators Greg and Sarah Dufton.
The couple plan to create a warm, characterful and premium-yet-approachable pub, restaurant and rooms offering that is rooted in the village, serves the local community and reflects Cromford’s unique heritage.
The eight-week project includes improvements to the pub, bar, dining areas, kitchen, nine guest bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, as well as a new external terrace. The Greyhound is due to reopen this autumn.
Greg said: “The Greyhound is a landmark building in a village with an incredible history, and we know how much people care about what happens next.
“Cromford and the surrounding area is stunning, and has so much to offer. We want The Greyhound to give people another reason to visit, stay longer, and see Cromford as the destination it deserves to be.”
