£650k pumped into traditional pub
Roseacre Inns has expanded its estate to eight sites by taking its fifth lease with Star at the Axe & Square in Countesthorpe.
The pub had been closed for the past two and a half years but is set to reopen in December, following the makeover, which will also mean 30 new jobs will be created.
Its new look will include new signage and lighting outside alongside a terrace with café style seating at the front. To the rear of the site, there will be an 80-cover garden.
Furthermore, an internal makeover will extend the pub into an outbuilding, doubling its size. There will be 110 covers spread over a bar area, a dining room and snug area, which will feature a new log burner. Décor will incorporate heritage colours, wood floors alongside leather-covered seating.
Resilient business
Roseacre Inns' pubs:
The Dovecote at Narborough
The Beeches at Ashby-de-la-Zouch
The Beacon Hotel at Burton-on-Trent
The Heathcote at Leamington Spa
The Waterside Inn at Mountsorrel
The Lime Tree at Whetstone
The Bull at Broughton Astley
The Axe & Square in Countesthorpe
The kitchen is also included in the refurbishment, which will be enlarged and refitted to help enable freshly prepared food to be a focal point of the business.
The menu will feature pub classics, Sunday roasts as well as a la carte specials, catering for guests who visiting for a multitude of occasions.
Roseacre Inns founder Michael Thomas reflected on his experience in the trade and was positive about the outlook for the pub sector.
He said: “I’ve been in the industry for 40 years and [have] seen good pubs prosper through all the ups and downs.
“We’ll continue to expand in the Midlands if the right sites are available. We specialise in large middle-market suburban dining pubs and, in my experience, they are resilient even when times are tough.
“If you serve good food and drink in a nice environment, people will always want to come out, socialise and forget their cares for a few hours.”
Consistent offer
Roseacre Inns are “highly professional operators” according to Star Pubs & Bars investment manager Mike Smith.
He added: “They know their market inside out and deliver what their customers want at the right price.
“The consistency of the offer is superb, allowing them to compete with larger managed operators while providing the individual, independent feel consumers increasingly seek.”
