The New Foresters pub has unveiled a new look after recently being taken on by new landlord Brent Foster who has been determined to keep the venue as a safe space for the LGBT+ community.
The New Foresters, on St Ann's Street, has been an LGBTQ+ pub since 1958 and holds a pink plaque as one of the oldest community spaces in the UK.
Landlord Brent Foster, decided to take over the pub in order to save it from being transformed into a restaurant or student accommodation. He started coming to the New Foresters when he first came out as gay. Visitors to the pub have been delighted with the new look which includes new lighting, a plush velvet seating area and a new coat of sparkling paint and wallpaper.
The smoking area has had a dramatic lift with the installation of rainbow angel wings against a grass wall where visitors can take a selfie or two. There are also plenty of process flags in the garden that shows the bar is an LGBT+ safe and one that is also transgender and nonbinary inclusive.
"We've related the inside and outside of the pub to enhance it and bring it into 2022. We've had a lot of positive feedback from the customers who have been in as they've really enjoyed the new decor," he said.
"I'm really proud of the angel wings in the garden as people are loving them for photos. It's a photo opportunity for lots of the people who come here."
Brent took on the property in May and says that while the renovations have been difficult, they have been incredibly worthwhile. It took about eight weeks in total to get the pub ready but there are more renovations and events planned for the future.
"We kept it open throughout the whole process and there was only one day due to electrical works that we had to close. It's been very difficult but so worth it throughout the whole experience. It's taken about eight weeks to get it all done."
He added: "I've really enjoyed running this place as I've met a lot of lovely people since I took over. I've noticed a lot more people coming in from the LGBT+ community are coming in. We've had a lot of new faces coming in and they keep returning which I find really rewarding because they are coming here and it's a safe place for them. It's been tiring and difficult at times but it's still worth it."
The New Foresters hosted a big Pride event all day at the pub with lots of live acts, food and dancefloors.
There are many more renovations planned for the pub as Brent says they are '90 percent of the way there' with lots of events planned in the coming weeks. However, for now, it's full steam ahead for Pride weekend on Saturday, July 30.
"I feel nervous but excited at the same time as we've done a lot of preparation for this. I've got some fantastic support around me as the staff have all been amazing which makes me less nervous to know they are there."
