TWO pubs in Rugby are set to reopen following revamps.
Building work has begun on a major £243,000 refurbishment of The Crown in Market Place.
The landmark town centre pub is set to reopen at the end of July, creating six jobs.
Owners Star Pubs say the revamp – which includes new furniture, wooden floors and a feature fireplace – will give the pub a ‘more contemporary look and feel’ while ‘retaining its traditional character’.
Outside, the mock Tudor facade will be redecorated with new lighting and signage.
Local resident Joe Wild will be taking on the management of the pub. He has 20 years of experience working in hospitality, including at The Star and Garter in Leamington and CV22 in Rugby.
Joe said: “I am looking forward to opening the doors, meeting customers, and getting to know them. I want The Crown to offer relaxed top-quality drinks, good company, and great service – the sort of place I would like to go.
“It will be an ideal place for shoppers, workers and visitors to pop in, day or evening, for a drink and sports. The atmosphere will be more up-tempo from Thursday to Saturday, and we’ll host regular live music.”
Star Pubs Business Development Manager Nathan Darby added: “The Crown is a lovely characterful pub in a prominent location in the town. In has become tired looking in recent times and so fallen out of favour. With its upgrade, new look and with Joe at the helm, I am sure it will become a popular town centre local once again. I wish him and his new team every success.”
The Paddox in Hillmorton is also undergoing a £258,000 refurbishment by Heineken-owned Star Pubs, to reinstate it as’a traditional pub at the heart of community’.
The pub – which previously operated as a bar serving Indian food – will reopen at the end of August with 15 new jobs created.
The Hillmorton Road pub will show live sports and host quizzes, open mic nights and regular entertainment – and will establish darts and pool teams to play in local leagues.
The refurbishment will smarten up the exterior with new signage and festoon lighting, and provide outdoor seating for 50.
Inside, there will be seating for 64 and zoning of the interior to create dining, drinking and sports areas. The new sports area will have a pool table and darts and there will be six high-definition TVs throughout the pub.
Lee Dishington, Investment Manager at Star Pubs, says: “The Paddox will reopen with new management in time for the new school year. It is ideally located for families, as it is situated on a major junction close to Ashlawn secondary school as well as near to The Paddox Primary School and Hilmorton primary school.”
