Brotherhood bars invests £500k into refurb

Brotherhood Leeds £500k redesign 

Multiple sports bars operator, Brotherhood, has invested more than £500,000 into its Leeds pub to celebrate its tenth anniversary.

Taking a more refined and gimmick-free approach to sports bar culture, the two-floor New Briggate site has been redesigned with the help of AXI Interior Design and channels a vintage gentleman’s club with retro sporting nods.

Owner Seema Dhiman told The Morning Advertiser the refit was designed with “better catering for sporting guests” while “keeping up with current trends in this area of hospitality”.

She continued: “We have put in state-of-the-art TV’s, the sound system is superb for live commentary, it almost feels like you are at the match. Guests can view a TV from any area [of the bar] and we can also show four different games and commentary, in different areas.”

The main hall blends traditional British elements with modern flourishes, stripping back the walls to its original form with deep-toned leather to create a warm rustic charm while the bar area features a traditional tiled bar front in British heritage colours and vintage sports memorabilia on every wall.

For a more “intimate feel”, sports fans can enjoy the low-ceiling and timber beams as well as a private dining area in the ‘secret snug’, which is availble to hire for up to 20 people and also features an Xbox, pool tables and beer pong as well as alternative sports commentary.

“It’s great for corporate bookings or larger parties. For international sports we have put in superb attractions for goal celebrations, including music, indoor fireworks and much more. Every wall is interesting, paying homage to the pursuits and pastimes part of our name”, Dhiman added.

Guests can also indulge in a variety of small plates offering a selection of comfort food dishes including club sandwich and chicken wings. Competitive guests can also take on the meaty challenge, where they can attempt eating 50 original chicken wings in 20 minutes.

Paying homage to horse racing, the drinks offer at the Brotherhood showcases original and classic cocktail creations with the Scout Report menu while the Corkers collection boasts wine and bubbles as well as non-alcoholic alternatives.

Dhiman said: “Going into our tenth year is a brilliant achievement, but it was time for the brand to move on and become more current, we addressed our company vision and worked with our regulars to ask how we could make their viewing and experience with us better.  

“We’re extremely excited about this next decade and for our guests to see the finished venue. We have had a fabulous 10 years in the Brotherhood, we want to continue this success.”

The venue will host a "grand reopening ceremony" on Friday 2 February.

Shepherd Neame reopens beachside pub

Britain's oldest brewer has welcomed customers back to the Zetland Arms pub on Kingsdown Beach in Kent with a fresh new look and winter menu.

The pub has undergone a stylish external redecoration in blue and white tones in keeping with its seaside setting as well as a full internal refurbishment with a new menu inspired by its location also introduced, all implemented by new licensee Chris Hick, who took on the pub six months ago.

In addition to serving breakfast, the Shepherd Neame venue boats a fish-led menu featuring mussels with leeks, Kent cider and shallots as well as the Zetland burger, Crown Prince pumpkin gnocchi. 

A piano has been added to the site, which will also host music evets and a monthly pub quiz and also features an open fire.

Hick said: “Our redecoration hopefully demonstrates our love for the pub, enhancing all its unique features and making it a warm, cosy environment for people to simply drop in for a drink while out on a dog walk or gather as a group for a meal.  

“I love the informality of this place. It feels like a pub institution, as everyone knows it, and it is here to serve the community. I feel very strongly about that – I want everyone to feel welcome here.”

Inn Collection completes multi-million-pound refurb 

Newcastle-based pub with rooms operator the Inn Collection Group has started taking bookings for The Ullswater Inn after a multi-million-pound refurbishment. 

The historic property, which is near the village of Glenridding in the Lake-District, has undergone a total transformation following a twelve-month programme of work, with a new pub and additional bedrooms created as part of the renovations.

Offering a wide range of drinks including specialist teas and coffees, local ales and spirits from The Lakes Distillery, the inn will also offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Inn Collection Group CEO Sean Donkin said: “Exceptional locations are very much a group USP and The Ullswater Inn has this in spades.

“It is a classic Lakeland site with a strong reputation earned over the last century and a half and one that we are aiming to enhance with our careful refurbishment.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming guests again after a year-long refurbishment and are confident that they are going to be delighted by what the inn will offer.”

The Ullswater Inn will officially reopen on Monday 12 February.