In a tough trading environment, investment remains a key driver of long-term success for pub businesses.
While operators continue to navigate rising costs, evolving consumer expectations and competition for spend, investing in the right opportunities can help pub operators strengthen their position within local communities and drive growth.
From enhancing outdoor spaces to creating more flexible social spaces, strategic investment can help operators unlock new opportunities and broaden their appeal. For leased and tenanted pub operators, investment partnerships can be particularly valuable. Access to capital and development expertise can enable improvements that might otherwise take years to achieve, while allowing operators to focus on running and growing their businesses.
When aligned with a clear vision for the pub, these projects can generate benefits for both operators and the communities they serve. The following stories highlight the experiences of three Stonegate Pub Partners who have undertaken significant investment projects, highlighting how targeted improvements can support the long-term future of a pub business.
The Commercial Inn, Bridgwater
Stonegate investment: £50,000
“I have a very old, traditional pub near the train station – it’s essentially three houses that have been knocked through over time.
When I took it over in 2024, it wasn’t a busy pub but I thought it had potential. It just needed some work. The first thing I did was move the pool table from the end of the bar in the original ‘third house’ where it was quite tight. It was just wasted space. Transforming into the sports room was the best decision I made.
I also tackled the original wood flooring. I had it buffed and cleaned and the light just shone off it.
Then last year, in August 2025 after the first year of business, Stonegate approached me about investing in a kitchen and bar refurb. Now we’ve had the kitchen running for a few months and offer breakfast every Saturday and roast dinners every Sunday. We’re open an extra five hours a week thanks to the kitchen.
“It’s been absolutely amazing that Stonegate believed in me enough to put money into it”
Kay Jones, Commercial Inn
The paint work made the pub feel new and fresh while keeping a traditional feel. We also extended the bar and put a second till in. So many people gave their time to come in and help. They’re like family to me now.
I also put in a coffee station in because it’s a community pub. We have customers of all ages who come to socialise and it’s been so nice seeing people use the pub again after staying away for a while.
I was lucky to be in a position to fully renovate, inside and out. It’s been absolutely amazing that Stonegate believed in me enough to put money into it. My regional manager, Kate, has been phenomenal.
I’ve put every bit of money back into this pub since taking it on. Sometimes people expect they’re going to get something out a little quicker but you’ve got to be patient. We’re now one of the busiest pubs in town – last year we sold 17,000 more pints than the previous owners.
It was all a big learning curve but now it’s a completely different pub. If I’ve got something in my head, I’ve got to give it a try. It might not work the first time but I don’t give up. It’s been hard work but I don’t regret it. When it’s your own business, you put all your passion into it and that’s exactly what I’ve done.”
Kay Jones, landlady, The Commercial Inn
Baby Temp’l, Liverpool
Stonegate Investment: £300,000
“We’ve now got three pubs with Stonegate, within 100 yards of each other. My brother Tom and I took on the Slaughter House after Covid, then in November 2025 we were offered The Liverpool around the corner. The deal included investment to renovate and re-open the disused basement as a separate entity – Baby Temp’l.
Stonegate oversaw all the contractors – they’ve got a big team, so we left it to the professionals. It was a whole revival, a complete rip-out and a new start. Everything needed to go. We also fitted-out the cellar to fully equip it for both The Liverpool and Baby Temp’l.
Because it’s in the basement, there are no windows. We installed two large screens within window frames showing the Liverpool waterfront, with the Titanic sailing one way and HMS Liverpool the other, creating the feeling of being outside.
“We went all out on the opening night and invited regulars from the other pubs, as well as walk-ins”
Dan Dalton, Baby Templ'
Our aim was to have it open for St Patrick’s Day – the hardest part was getting it was all done and open in time. We went all out on the opening night and invited regulars from the other pubs, as well as walk-ins. Mark Lawrenson (former Liverpool footballer) opened the bar for us and did a meet and greet.
Baby Temp’l is a proper traditional Irish pub selling Irish food and whiskey. We even hired an Irish barman who says he feels like he’s back home. That’s how authentic it is. The Irish theme is definitely big because they’re popping up everywhere now in Liverpool – there’s a new bar just around the corner. It’s good because it brings more people to the area.
Our pubs have gone strength to strength. Everyone helps out and the clientele bounce between the three. Like the Slaughter House, The Liverpool is well established. We want to get Baby Temp’l up to that level while keeping the hidden gem feel that makes it special.
We take things day-by-day, week-by-week. Once you start over-analysing and putting pressure on, that’s when the problems can start. We go with the flow. It was a big investment but we’ll see the rewards.”
Dan Dalton, director, Baby Templ’
The John Charles, Churwell
Stonegate investment: £80,000
“I took over the pub in September 2025 and ran it as it was for a while. However, it was tired and stale and really needed an update. Within a couple of months Stonegate offered investment as they’d already noticed a difference in the way I was running it. I was over the moon.
The money came through in February and that’s when we decided to change the name. The pub had been called The New Inn forever. We’re a Leeds United pub – 20 minutes’ walk to the grounds. John Charles used to play for Leeds United. Suddenly everyone was talking about the pub, asking what my plans were. “Watch this space”, I said.
Once the investment was agreed, I sat down with Stonegate to discuss the plans. I had input but they’ve got the connections with contractors. It was a mad rush when we were shutting to get everything out. I live upstairs and on the first day I came down and they’d ripped everything out.
They removed the bar and totally rebuilt it. Every day I could see it taking shape. We got new furniture, a shelf built around the central post for extra seating, and new drop-down lighting over the bar that made the whole place feel brighter.
The gents’ toilets were painted a very dark blue and, at first, I thought it was too dark. But once the pictures went up suddenly it worked. The guys now love it! We’ve also got pictures up of old and new Leeds which people love.
“They removed the bar and totally rebuilt it. Every day I could see it taking shape”
Sharon Arkell, The John Charles
On the last day as they were finishing up, we dragged everything back in, trying to re-open for the Saturday. Straightaway I noticed the difference. People who used to come in but had fallen out of love with the pub started coming back.
One side of the pub is Leeds United and when there’s a Leeds game on, it’s so full – a real community spirit. We’ve got a picture of the football ground in the poolroom and everybody comments on it.
Stonegate are still there when I need them and our BDM will come and see how things are going. Most people love the new name – when taxi drivers call it the John Charles, you know you’ve made it.”
Sharon Arkell, licensee, The John Charles