Historic Notting Hill pub restored to 'former glory'

Walmer Castle given 'new lease of life' by independent operators 

A Greater London pub that was previously owned by David Beckham and Guy Ritchie has been given a new lease of life by independent operators.

Husband and wife team Jack and Poppy Greenall, who also own the Surprise in Chelsea, will welcome customers back to the Walmer Castle pub on Ledbury Road in Notting Hill on Wednesday 1 November.

Jack Greenall told The Morning Advertiser​: “What motivates us is finding beautiful historic pubs in fantastic locations that are crying out for a refurbishment and bringing them back to their former glory.

“Both the Walmer Castle and the Surprise are beautiful and majestic buildings, but both needed a new lease of life, and we're very proud to have done that in both locations.

“[With the Walmer Castle] we've kept the historic features of the building, but we've managed to make it a modern operation with a fantastic kitchen and bar and beautiful interiors working with designer Isabella Worsley.”

However, Greenall, who has been working on projects like this for the last eight years, added restoring historic pubs can be challenging, in particular when finding the right venue and team to work with on top of rising costs.

“It's critical to find the right the right buildings to be really sure that the investment is going in the right places.

“[The you have to find] a supportive landlord who understands what needs to be done, then it’s finding good contractors. People throw around statistics like ‘50% uplift in costs’ and they're not wrong.”

Spread over three floors, the pub’s main bar area, which has been transformed to a horseshoe shaped bar, is on the ground floor while the first and second levels will be used as private event spaces.

Throughout the three floors, historic maps and references of Notting Hill sit alongside antiques sourced from markets and dealers on nearby Portobello Market and Goldborne Road. Much of the furniture in the pub and private dining room has also been reclaimed.

Guests can expect “friendly service and unfussy yet delicious British seasonal dishes” from the Walmer Castle, with a menu created by Chef Luaan van der Watt.

Open 7 days a week, the pub, which was owned by David Beckham and Guy Ritchie in 2018 before being sold, will showcase a range of draught beers and ciders as well as wines selected by west London wine merchants Jeroboams and Wanderlust.

Admiral unveils new £250k look for Telford pub 

Admiral Taverns has revealed a new look for the Bridge Inn pub in Telford following a £250,000 investment.

Inside, the Wombridge Road venue, which is part of the firms Proper Pubs division, has been divided into two spaces, the ‘lounge’ and the ‘vault’, with fresh décor and new fixtures, fittings, flooring and furniture throughout.

Outside, the pub boasts a revamped garden area featuring new wooden benches, newly planted greenery, and festoon lighting.

The pub offers a wide range of drinks offers, including cocktails, wine and fizz promotions, as well as a full sports package including TNT Sports, Sky Sports and horse racing.

During the Bridge Inn’s opening weekend, customers enjoyed live music and a buffet as well as family-friendly karaoke.  

Looking to the future, the Bridge Inn will offer regular karaoke, quiz and disco nights, and support local charitable causes.

Inn Collection's multi-million-pound North Tyneside refurb in 'final stages'

The multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Inn Collection’s Tynemouth Castle Inn pub has entered its “final stages”, the operator confirmed.

Following almost 14-months of work, the first guests are expected to check into the pub with rooms in early November.

Inside, the venue, which has 72 bedrooms, has received new décor, furniture, carpets and bathrooms as well as a new kitchen.

Refreshed rendering and signage as well as window fittings in an art deco style with newly constructed extensions, including additional bedrooms, a new fish and chip shop and ice cream parlour have also been put in place.

Outside, the pub offers panoramic views of the shoreline below and boasts a newly created front terrace as well as new outdoor seating areas.

The Tynemouth will serve breakfast for both staying guests and walk-ins whilst the seasonal main menus will offer with traditional pub classics.

Inn Collection Group CEO Sean Donkin said: ”This stunning building is an institution on the coast in Tynemouth and we are delighted to be giving this icon a new lease of life for people in the community and visitors alike to enjoy.

“Our restoration has been a significant investment and has been carefully carried out to preserve the individual character and distinctiveness of the building.

“We are looking forward to being a part of the community and contributing to North Tyneside’s wider economic growth, prosperity and employment opportunities through increased, year-round trading.”

Slug & Lettuce reopens flagship site after £680k investment

Slug & Lettuce, the managed cocktail bar division of Stonegate Group, has reopened its flagship venue in Manchester following a £680,000 investment.

The Grade II-listed site in Deansgate has received a new back bar, evolved colour palette, bespoke murals, curated lighting, new booths and feature marble table tops.

Read more on the venue’s new look as well as future plans for the Slug & Lettuce division here​.

• If you have any information regarding new openings, refurbishments or property details you think could be used in this weekly round-up section, along with hi-res landscape images, please email nzryvr.znhevpr-wbarf@jeoz.pbz​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ or rebecca.weller@wrbm.com​​​.