Greene King site reopens after £400k transformation

Greene King pub reopens with new name after £400k investment 

A Greene King site in Barking, Greater London, has reopened following a £400,000 investment from the pubco.

Reopening with a new name, the Acorn, previously known as the Royal Oak, has been “transformed” inside and out.

Inside, the trading spaces, bathroom facilities and kitchen have been enhanced to provide a more “premium experience”, according to Greene King, including new décor, tables and seating throughout.

Outside, the pub’s beer garden has benefitted from the addition of a custom stretch tent for year-round use as well as a refreshed terrace at the front of the pub.

New operators of The Acorn Colin Coogan and Austin Whelan said: “We cannot wait to welcome people to The Acorn.

“We really believe this pub has so much untapped potential and we look forward to establishing it as the pub to visit in Barking.

“Be it food, drink or entertainment – we have you covered at The Acorn. We aim to provide our guests with a great experience driven by great hospitality and looking after our customers.”

The reopening of the Acorn, which will be operated by growing pub operator Doolin Rock Pub Company, will create around 15 new jobs in the area.

As a Doolin Rock venue, the pub will provide a “premium local” offer, including a “quality food offering” with a freshly cooked traditional pub menu alongside an “extensive” drinks range.

In addition, the Acorn will also show a variety of live sports as well as hosting live music.

Greene King Pub Partners operations director Phil Arnold said: “Our £400,000 transformational investment in The Acorn has given this pub a new lease of life and exciting future.

“Under Colin and Austin’s leadership, pub-goers can expect a great experience whatever the occasion.”

Inn Collection Group refurbs two North-Yorkshire sites 

Newcastle-based pub with rooms operator the Inn Collection Group has welcomed customers back to the Harrogate Inn following refurbishment.

The “transformation” of the Harrogate Inn, in North Yorkshire, took 152 days and included two new bars and a fully refurbished kitchen.

Formerly known as the St George Hotel, the reopening was celebrated with a gala launch event.

The firm said it is also close to completion of Grade II listed site the Knaresborough Inn, just four miles away from the Harrogate Inn, which has benefitted from repairs to the roof and brickwork as well an increased number of rooms.

Inn Collection Group operations director Chris Moor said: “We’re excited the Harrogate Inn has been received so positively since reopening and we are looking forward to unveiling the Knaresborough Inn as our second North Yorkshire site to complete refurbishment in a few weeks.”

Robinsons Brewery reopens Sandbach pub

The Swan and Chequers pub in Sandbach, Cheshire, has reopened following a “substantial investment” from owners Robinsons Brewery.

After being closed for more than 12-months, the pub, which dates back to the late 1800’s, has opened its doors to reveal its “new look”.

The venue’s décor has been inspired by mid-century London with influences from the capital’s Victorian underground and the old, industrialised city.

Inside, the bar now seats 90 people with columns added to the main indoor area and internal walls removed to create a large open-plan bar.

Outside, the Swan and Chequers courtyard boasts space for a further 90 people and features wall-length murals paying homage to Winston Churchill.

Robinsons joint managing director William Robinson said: “The company has owned this pub since the early 1900’s.

“Investing in this innovative and modern design scheme is part of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best pubs for the communities that they serve.”

This comes as the Cheshire-based pub company recently completed refurbishment of three of its tenanted sites at a cost of £1.25m. Read more here​.

Escapism bars announces two new Manchester sites 

Escapism bars has launched two new sites in Manchester, launching under the Mean Eyed Cat and Tiki Hideaway brands.

The new bars from the Leeds-based operator are set to appeal to students, after-work drinkers, and late-night party seekers.

Escapism Bars​​ managing director Grant Dexter said: “With our northern roots, Manchester’s Northern Quarter is the perfect fit for the Mean Eyed Cat brand.

“We think the concept will be well received by the eclectic mix of people in Manchester.”

Read more here​.

Historic Shepherd Neame site in Kent reopens

A husband-and-wife team have just reopened historic inn the Railway Hotel in Kent after an extensive transformation.

Donna and David Davis took on the Shepherd Neame pub, a Grade II listed building dating back to the 1850s, at the end of July.

The pub’s Carriage Restaurant is currently closed while the team continues to work on a refurbishment of the kitchen, but they plan to begin offering food again next month, introducing a new menu of traditional pub classics and light bites.

Read more here​.