A Nottinghamshire pub is having a top-to-toe makeover costing £307,000 to make it brighter and smarter when it reopens. The Pear Tree will become known as The Windmill - the symbol of Keyworth which used to have a windmill until it was demolished in 1956 to make way for new houses.
The pub, in Nottingham Road, will close after trading on Sunday June 18, following the departure of the temporary tenant. Taking over will be experienced pub operator John Carroll and his son Graham, who also has hospitality experience and a degree in hotel and catering management
Owners Star Pubs & Bars said the investment will see an interior and exterior upgrade of the "tired-looking pub." More space will be created by repositioning seating and a feature back bar will be installed. There will be softer seating for casual drinking and dining, seating booths and new high and mid-level tables and stools in the sport bar.
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The exterior is being given a complete makeover, repainted in a smart dark grey, offset by a contrasting terracotta panelling and new signage and lighting. In the rear garden different seating areas are being created. A large six-by-six-metre covered pergola with festoon lighting is being installed over the patio and new tables and chairs and an all-weather heater added. There will also be a Birra Moretti feature archway and planters to soften the look.
The Windmill will reopen in mid-July as a "top-quality family friendly local" with a focus on sports and live entertainment. The new operators will introduce food and barista-style coffee for the first time, broadening the pub’s appeal.
Nine jobs are up for grabs, with the intention of creating "the best community pub in the village." As part of the upgrade the latest dispense technology which improves the quality and consistency of draft beer and cider is being installed. The Smart Dispense System’s unique cooling technology and line insulation from keg to tap is 20 per cent more energy efficient than standard systems, keeping cider and beer colder.
A new kitchen is also being installed allowing the pub to offer affordable good quality pub classics such as cod and chips, burgers and salads, as well as vegan and vegetarian dishes and sharing platters. There will also be a children’s menu with special kid-sized cutlery and crockery.
Drinks wise, there will be premium beers including Heineken, Brixton beers and Beavertown, alongside a selection of craft ales, draught cider, top quality wines and spirits and cocktails. Heineken 0.0 will be available for those not wanting to drink alcohol.
John said: "Graham and I are keen to get to know local residents and find out what they would like The Windmill to offer. We love pubs and want The Windmill to play a central role at the heart of the community.
"Our plans are to host regular quizzes and live entertainment, giving people reasons to come out, socialise and have a good time. We’re very much looking forward to opening the doors in July and welcoming customers to their new local.”
Star Pubs & Bars area manager, Craig Nevins added: "John and Graham make a great team. They’ve a passion for pubs and between them have many years hospitality experience and so understand how to deliver high levels of service and how to make people happy.
“The timing of the refurbishment means that The Windmill can play a part in bringing together existing and new Keyworth residents. It will be a top-quality community local, a place for all to enjoy.”
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